2000 Annual Report for FNC00-291
White Violet Farm Fiber Research Project
Summary
A major challenge of alpaca production is finding creative ways of processing and manufacturing the fiber in order to ensure individual breeder success, industry success and growth, and community economic health and welfare.
Alpaca fiber is highly marketable because of its softness, warmth, strength, and durability.
Objective: To research the feasibility of processing alpaca fiber in a way that will positively impact the economy by providing employment opportunities to the local community.
The producer located hand spinners, weavers, and seamstresses to mentor interested community members.
Results: Fifteen people devoted two to five hours each week for 18 months to learn spinning, weaving, and knitting skills.
The producer estimated start-up costs to be around $200,000.