NFU Cymru is throwing its support behind a petition which aims to deliver a new, long-term market for British wool.

The call comes after increasing reports that farmers are incorporating wool fleeces into the manure heap rather than selling to British Wool, after the price of wool fell way below the price of shearing for many farmers.

The campaign has been endorsed by the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, UIster Farmers’ Union, the National Sheep Association and the British Wool Board.

NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman Wyn Evans said: “NFU Cymru is pleased to support this important petition which we hope will go some way to driving much-needed change in how British wool is utilised. Farmers across Wales and the rest of the UK have been extremely disheartened by the low prices they have received for this natural, versatile, sustainable product, so any move to promote its use in carpets, textiles, clothing and, indeed, housing insulation, is to be welcomed. I encourage farmers and members of the public to sign this petition urging our respective governments to encourage the building trade to make use of this fantastic, natural insulator to help improve the energy efficiency of new homes.”