FAIR-CT96-1597 Increasing competitiveness of high quality European animal textile fibres by improving fibre quality

Contacts




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FAIR Area 4.3 - Diversification : Fibre : Textiles/Fabrics/Geomembranes

	Proposal No:	FAIR-CT96-1597
	Date Prepared:	January 1998
	Source:	Proposal Abstract

Abstract:
The objective of the project is to increase the quality of European-produced speciality animal textile fibre through the widespread dissemination of a new technology to increase fibre quality more accurately and rapidly. The new technology, Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser (OFDA), will be disseminated through a network of researchers, producers associations and manufacturers involved in the production of fine wool, mohair, cashmere and angora. In particular DFDA will be used to measure fibre quality in:

1. genetic improvement programmes for each of these speciality fibres in Europe
2. grading of fibres for presentation to processors and manufacturers

The application of a common technology across Europe will ensure accuracy and comparability between countries through the development of a central database for fibre breeding schemes and a common measure of fibre quality in the grading of fibres for processing. The network will be established in nine European and affiliated countries. In addition to a coordinator and group leaders for fibre measurement technology and genetic improvement schemes; each country will be represented by a Network partner located in a leading centre of research, who will lead Network operations in that country.

Coordination of the work will be achieved through the medium of workshops to agree common standards and protocols, a newsletter, and mobility of technical personnel for lectures and training courses.

The Network will:

1. enhance the dissemination of state-of-the-art fibre measurement technology and ensure comparability between fibre analyses in different countries, which is a key element in the future development of the European speciality fibre industry
2. establish common European protocols for measuring fibre traits in breeding programmes for different fibre types
3. improve the competitiveness of European producers of speciality animal fibres by establishing clearly defined, market-led quality objectives, grading and presentation standards and the creation of new information channels between producers, industry and research.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Alexander John MILNE / Macaulay Land Use Research Institute UNITED KINGDOM

EC Scientific Officer

• Carlos ANTOLINEZ / European Commission DG VI Agriculture BELGIUM