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Cashmere is one of the world's most rare and valuable textile fibres, traditionally imported into the UK from China, Mongolia, Iran and Afghanistan. Now, in response to demand from the UK textile industry, a cashmere fibre producing industry is being established in Scotland by a dedicated group of farmers. Scottish reared goats are producing Scottish cashmere to enhance the quality of the finest of Scottish knitwear and accessories.

It all began in 1985 when, as a result of initial research in Scotland, several farmers recognised the benefits of integrating cashmere-producing goats into their existing farm management systems.

With support from Government Research Establishments, the Textile Industry, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Commission, these innovative farmers established the Scottish Cashmere Producers Association.

The role of the Scottish Cashmere Producers Association (SCPA) is to:

  • encourage the selection of superior breeding stock.
  • provide advice and assistance to new cashmere goat farmers.
  • act as a forum for cashmere producers and users, and a spokesman for cashmere farmers.
  • provide a central marketing operation for the collection, grading, processing and marketing of cashmere fibre and its products.

Today over 50 cashmere farmers with around 2,500 goats are demonstrating that cashmere fibre production is an exciting option for Scottish agriculture, especially in the economically fragile 'less-favoured areas'.

Compared to world production, Scottish cashmere farmers are producing tiny amounts of fibre. The next challenge is to build up the national herd to at least 10,000 goats, and to develop a sustainable industry in control of its own future.