Producers and Exporters of High Quality "Certified Organic" Merino Wool and Wool Products, Beef and Lamb from Central Otago, New Zealand

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FAQs: Commonly Asked Questions

Certified Bio Gro Organic
Reg. no. 56
What is organic?

Organic Food and Wool Fibre is grown "naturally" without synthetic or harmful chemicals.

In other parts of the world Organic Farming is called Biological farming or Ecological farming.

Organic production is based on positive holistic management systems, which reduce or eliminate the need for most agricultural chemicals and promote healthy soils, air, waterways and responsible animal husbandry practices. Customers look for organic products because they believe it to be :

  1. Safer as no pesticides or harmful chemicals are used.
  2. High Quality.
  3. Better for the environment as no synthetic or harmful chemicals are used on the farm.

One of the biggest differences between conventional and organic production is the requirement for organic certification.
Independent Organic Certifiers, who represent the consumers, audit producers regularily to verify that the organic standards are complied with.
Treliske has been certified with BIO-GRO since 1986.
Bio-Gro is one of 15 IFOAM Accredited Certifiers - 1FOAM is the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements which benchmarks organic standards and certification worldwide.
Bio Gro certification takes a minimum of 3 years.
The Bio-Gro logo can only be used on fully certified product.

What's the difference between conventional sheep and organic sheep ?

The main difference between organic sheep and conventional sheep is that certified organic sheep do not receive routine chemical treatments such as drenching or dipping for parasites, fly dressings, antibiotics, growth promotants, vaccines, nor do they graze on pastures that have been sprayed with herbicides. Organic sheep are bred for resistance to parasites and are fed outdoors all year round on special herbal ley pastures to build healthy immune systems. Organic sheep must graze only on certified organic farms and be fed certified organic stockfood. Genetically engineered or modified feed is prohibited, and mulesing is not practiced. .

How does Organic Wool Yarn differ?

Organic wool yarn has not been treated chemically throughout the entire production, from the farm to the end garment. The greasy wool is scoured (cleaned) in special approved biodegradable cleansing agent before being carded and spun at a Certified Organic Mill.
The certified organic yarnis then knitted into garments by New Zealand's only Certified Organic Knitwear Manufacturer. At all times throughout production the wool is kept separate from other wools to prevent contamination.
Each stage of production is audited by The Biological Producers and Consumers Council before certification is approved and the Bio Gro logo can be attached.

What are the benefits of Treliske Certified Organic Knitwear ?

  1. The Treliske natural, undyed and unbleached wool is grown and manufactured without harmful chemicals providing fashionable style and quality, without sacrificing and polluting the environment.
  2. Treliske Organic Knitwear is a personalised product which is fully traceable from Treliske Farm in Central Otago, New Zealand, to the finished garment.
  3. Because the skin can "breath" and absorb impurities and residues, the purity and softness of Treliske Organic Woollen Knitwear may possibly offer some relief to people with allergies and problematic skin disorders.
    Some 8000 chemicals are known to be used in the modem textile industry.
  4. Treliske Farm is committed to long term sustainable farming practices. The purchase of Treliske Organic Knitwear promotes clean air, clean water and soils free of toxic chemicals while delivering the purest quality wool, to wear next to the skin.
  5. More and more people are making their purchasing decisions based on their commitment to their health and the environment. Treliske Organic Bio Gro certified Knitwear satisfies this desire.

What is the difference between synthetic fleece and organic wool fleece?

This is an interesting question. The Collins English dictionary defines the word fleece as "the coat of wool covering a sheep or shorn from it".
The synthetic industry developed a fabric called 'Fleece' in their efforts to compete with the beneficial properties of wool. Synthetic Fleece is oil based fabric and has nothing to do with sheep.
Wool is safer to wear having natural fire-retardant properties where as synthetic fleece being oil based, ignites easily, burns fiercely and melts.
Wool is incredibly warm in winter and cool in the summer as it has the ability to breathe with the skin and can actually absorb one third of its weight in moisture before feeling wet. Synthetic Fleece is warm but does not breathe easily.
Wool is a renewable resource that regrows on the sheep after shearing,
Wool is biodegradable and kinder to the environment than oil-based synthetics which contribute to global pollution.
Certified Organic Wool is the natural choice.

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Treliske Organic Wools
2RD, Roxburgh, Central Otago, New Zealand

Telephone: (64)(3) 446 6828, Fax (64)(3) 446 6602
Email:

Directors: Robert and Jackie Aitchison


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Producers and Exporters of High Quality "Certified Organic" Merino Wool and Wool Products, Beef and Lamb from Central Otago, New Zealand