The Good Cashmere Standard, the largest standard in the world for sustainable cashmere, welcomed animal welfare and cashmere experts, and GCS partner companies to its two-day conference, to discuss together the future of the sustainable cashmere industry. The issues discussed included species-appropriate animal husbandry, and the expanded GSC verification system. Other important points at the meeting were exchanges of experiences with local actors regarding the implementation of standard requirements at cashmere goat farms, and the importance of seamless transparency in verified cashmere fibre in the supply chain – an issue that is becoming increasingly important due to the expected regulations in the EU and the USA.

One of the highlights was the speech by the herdswoman Chaoluomenqiqige, who runs a GSC model farm with her husband Zhaonashun. She shared her personal experiences with The Good Cashmere Standard and stressed the positive effect that the standard had had on her operation – because of the progressive animal welfare practices, for example. “It is impressive how much commitment herders put into their everyday work”, says Tina Stridde, Managing Director of the Aid by Trade Foundation. “This makes the model farms important centres of innovation and inspiration for all partners of The Good Cashmere Standard.”

Through this event, the Aid by Trade Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement of The Good Cashmere Standard together with local actors, and to promoting responsible cashmere production. The important conclusions from the GSC Unit Meeting will influence the further development of the standard, and help promote animal welfare, transparency, and sustainability in the cashmere production.