This statewide wool inventory reveals that Vermont produces meaningful volumes of wool each year, yet much of it remains unused or undervalued due to limited processing capacity and high costs. Survey data and interviews with farmers and mills highlight a clear bottleneck: the state lacks sufficient small‑batch custom processing to turn raw wool into market-ready products.
The report outlines opportunities to build a more connected and resilient fiber economy by expanding access to custom mills, developing markets for currently low‑value or waste wool, and aggregating Vermont-grown fiber for local and regional branding. Strengthened collaboration among farmers, processors, and partner organizations can help unlock new markets, reduce waste, and elevate wool as a sustainable Vermont resource.
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund produced this report with support from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
