HAMBURG – The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), supported by North American apparel company J.Crew and other industry partners, has launched its third model farm in Inner Mongolia, China. The initiative aims to promote sustainable cashmere production by providing a platform for producers and herders to exchange knowledge and best practices.
Spanning 200 hectares and housing 600 cashmere goats, the newly developed Eridenibatu farm has been open for training sessions since mid-2024. It serves as a key site for advancing responsible cashmere production. “With the addition of Eridenibatu, we are pleased to now support two model farms operating in accordance with The Good Cashmere Standard,” saiid Katherine O’Hare, vice president of sustainability at J.Crew Group.
GCS began establishing model farms in 2022 to assist herders in transitioning to more sustainable practices. These farms receive technical and material support to conduct training for peers and neighbouring farms. They also benefit from organisational and financial assistance, including coverage of training costs, to encourage broader participation. Up to four times a year, model farms host educational sessions for interested goat herders.
Figo Li, a GCS representative in China, alluded to the impact of these model farms, stating: “They inspire herders by showcasing best practices under The Good Cashmere Standard and provide feasible solutions for animal welfare, people, and nature.”
Founded in 2019 by the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), The Good Cashmere Standard sets global benchmarks for sustainably produced cashmere. GCS collaborates with over 200 partners in 12 textile markets worldwide, supplying more sustainable cashmere to over 55 international brands, including H&M, Galeries Lafayette, J.Crew, and The White Company.
