Organic Wool Network (OWN), a collaborative of 11 US-based textile producers and support organizations for promoting organic wool, announced that the retailer members within the network are putting on shelf a range of apparel, baby blankets, home textiles and socks made from organically grown wool.

For example, Del Cerro offers hand-woven textiles and throws and a handcrafted floor screen made with wool from the owners' ranch. Delano Collection launches a sophisticated knee-length women's coat. From Fox River Mills, there are high-performance merino wool hiking socks. From Maggie's Organics, merino wool crew and moisture-wicking hiking socks are available. NUI Organics offers soft and natural colored Merino baby blankets and clothes. Patagonia and Sahalie offer rustic and warm sweaters.

To be certified as organic wool, the United States Department of Agriculture requires that the sheep be raised without the use of synthetic hormones or pesticides or overgrazing of the land, and with organic feed and under continuous organic management from the last third of gestation forward.

According to a recent survey by M+R Strategic Services, approximately 19,152 pounds of organic wool were grown in the US and Canada in 2005. Specifically, 18,852 pounds of grease wool were produced in six US states and 300 pounds were produced in Ontario.

Textile.2456.com