DP WOODROW & CO, LLC has been engaged by NatureVest, a division of The Nature Conservancy, to conduct research on demand for and obstacles to sourcing environmentally differentiated wool.

This research will engage key brands and supply chain partners in an effort to assess the present and future demand for environmentally differentiated wool fiber associated with the sustainable grazing practices. It will also provide recommendations for successful integration of these products within the existing supply chain. "We are pleased to announce the launch of this research as the findings will allow NatureVest to develop and evaluate potential impact investments within the wool industry", explained Deborah Froeb, Director of Product Development at NatureVest. She added, "Such investments would support The Nature Conservancy's conservation initiatives that focus on the sustainable management of livestock to restore and enhance the health of grasslands around the world".

The study will engage progressive retail brands as well as global supply chain leaders in the outdoor, fashion apparel and home furnishings markets. Denine Woodrow states, "the wool industry continues to be challenged by the difficulty in developing traceable sourcing practices and supply chains outside the basic commodity markets. Wool is a natural fiber with many technical attributes that are attractive to end use products. We aim to determine the feasibility of sourcing, supply and marketing of environmentally differentiated wool. We are excited about the opportunity to work on this project with NatureVest and leaders in the wool industry."

The project commenced on December 18, 2014 and is expected to be finalized in March of 2015.