My name is Humberto del Pozo and I support a local Women�s Cooperative where 46 women have been working together in the process of supplying the local market of their handspun wool and handspun angora rabbit hair yarns. I am helping them in the endeavor of going into the international market. We do not know what the markets are like in America and Europe and what is the best way to penetrate both of these markets. Can you help us in this area? If you cannot help us, can you refer us to someone who might be able to help?

The Women's Cooperative was formed to provide training in the spinning, weaving, and knitting of wool and angora rabbit hair for socially and economically deprived women. The cooperative provides employment and training in an effort to foster the women's self-esteem and self empowerment. The cooperative is solely manage by women in a rural village at the footsteps of the southern Andes Mountains, in Chile.

In order for the cooperative to expand we want to go on to source the international markets. Presently the cooperative is selling its products locally, and is doing well. It has a solid foundation to expand based on it's manpower, skill, and the knowledge to produce quality handspun yarn. But, we need to follow what the market is and will dictate. We need more information and guidelines as to which direction to go. Is there a Angora market in America and/or Europe for either yarn or finished products?

The women have already created an Angora cottage industry that benefits socially and economically deprived women, and would like to expand internationally and smooth what in Chile is a highly seasonal demand for angora knitting and weaving yarn.

Have any knowledge, contacts or ideas? ... please e-mail me at: [email protected]

Best wishes

Humberto del Pozo -bertchile-