The Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America

On a large scale, the Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America (AFCNA) offers the framework under which a very large-scale alpaca processing operation is being established. AFCNA’s mission is to link producers and consumers, through cooperative efforts, to improve and promote the high quality of alpacas and alpaca fiber products. Established in 1998 under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Cooperative Development Section, AFCNA represents the first attempt to establish a commercial fiber industry in North America from fiber produced here. The goal of the co- op is to sell its products at a profit, which is then returned to members in proportion to their participation. Additionally, members can buy either yarn or finished goods from the co-op for their own use or for retail sale.

Presently, some North American commercial spinning mills are available to process alpaca fiber, with varying degrees of production capability. However, before North American alpaca fiber can be manufactured on the scale found in Peru, several conditions must be met. First, the volume of available fleece must be increased, centrally collected, and centrally managed (i.e., in a co-op). Second, a manufacturi8ng plant must be specifically tolled to accommodate the alpaca fleece at each stage of production. And finally, marketing efforts must continue to articulate the unique qualities of alpaca to the domestic fashion and textile industries as well as to the general populace.

One encouraging sign of a bright future for the commercial alpaca industry in North America is the increased use of alpaca by several prominent fashion designers. For example, the Clint Eastwood golf sweater collection converted to 100% alpaca in 1999. Other designer labels incorporating 100% alpaca blends into their fashion lines include: Polo Ralph Lauren, Johnnie Walker, Fairway & Greene, Callaway Golf, Jack Nicklaus, Pringle, Bobby Jones, and Hart Schafner & Marx sportswear. The Peruvian Connection, Nieman-Marcus, and numerous other upscale catalogues regularly feature alpaca finished goods. Stores across the continent are beginning to carry alpaca garments (sweaters, scarves, mittens, vests, dresses, tuxedoes, dress suits, etc.) in their inventories. Additionally, a virtually untapped market for alpaca may be in home fashions and fabrics – where alpaca’s durability can be exploited in a very stable existing market.

In summary, when one considers investing in alpacas, it is crucial to ask the question: “what is this animal’s end product?” Unlike most other forms of livestock that must be slaughtered to attain their primary end product, alpacas are livestock that produce a continuous “cash crop” of superior fiber, without killing the animal. Furthermore, steps are being taken by many talented and dedicated professionals within the alpaca community to build the “pipelines” necessary for getting cash crop into the hands of those who need it (namely, designers in the fashion centers of North America and elsewhere). Combined with a strong AOBA marketing program designed to increase public awareness of alpacas and alpaca end products, the future looks very bright for owners, fiber artists, and affiliated subsidiary industries throughout North America.