Natural Fiber Textile Development Workgroup Meeting
The meeting included introductions of the workgroup members and presentations on various industry updates. Key topics discussed were the food and fiber processing grant program, the beginner farmer grant program, and the second year of the Wool Center at the state fair. The group reviewed the progress of a short documentary project premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival and discussed various collaborations involving the New York Fashion Innovation Center and the Hudson Valley Textile Project, such as farmer fiber surveys, the upcoming NYFIC lab at RPI, and the New York fiber trail. Future initiatives regarding workforce development for the textile industry, including potential internship and apprenticeship programs, were also highlighted along with the need for expanded regional wool scouring facilities.