AVSF, sustainable cashmere
The sustainable cashmere certification was developed by AVSF in 2016, tested in 2017 and then filed in 2018 and promoted in the Mongolian and international markets. The certification is, by design, adapted to the context of semi-nomadic pastoralism and cashmere production. This robust, traceable and verifiable certification meets market expectations and demonstrates the adoption of sustainable practices by herders and their communities.
Sustainable cashmere certification targets key ecological, socio-economic and technical values. The certification ensures good practices at the herder level (qualitative vs. quantitative breeding practices), at the collective level (pasture user groups for sustainable management of common resources) and at the cooperative level (marketing, profit redistribution and technical support). It consists of 25 criteria covering sustainable management of pastoral resources, good husbandry practices, quality management, participatory approach, financial management and equitable distribution of benefits.
The sustainable cashmere certification scheme is managed and implemented by an independent body, the Sustainable Cashmere Certification Committee (S3C). The S3C is a neutral actor and guarantees the credibility of the certification. The different actors of the S3C verify the respect of the 25 criteria by carrying out external controls on the field, in articulation with the internal controls carried out by the cooperative and allow the continuous improvement of the certification.
In 2021, 505 member families of the cooperatives in the Bayankhongor region have obtained this certification emphasizing the implementation of their sustainable practices. This represents a volume of 50 tons of dehaired cashmere.
