Wool and Weavings Fair Traded from the Source

Project Overview

FW03-104
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 2003: $15,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2006
Region: Western
State: Arizona
Principal Investigator:
Carol Halberstadt
Email
Black Mesa Weavers for Life and Land

Commodities

  • Animals: sheep

Practices

  • Farm Business Management: new enterprise development, budgets/cost and returns, cooperatives, marketing management

    Proposal summary:

    The Navajo, or Dine, of Black Mesa in northeastern Arizona, among the most traditional indigenous populations in the United States, continue their struggle to preserve their culture, land, water and way of life. In 1998, a nonprofit Dine enterprise called Black Mesa Weavers for Life and Land was formed. Its goal: to improve the economic and social conditions of Black Mesa Dine by preserving the traditions, namely through the shepherding and sale of wool and weavings. Carol Halberstadt of Newton, Mass., coordinator of the Western SARE marketing project and founder of the nonprofit enterprise, seeks to enhance the sales begun five years ago through a print and outreach advertising campaign. Included will be advertising in spinning and knitting magazines and Web sites, direct mail and visits to key sheep and wool festivals.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.