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

In other countries of the world Organic Farming is called Biological 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 :

	Safer as no pesticides or harmful chemicals are used.
	High Quality.
	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.
Organic HandKnit's suppliers, 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.

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 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.

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 specially approved biodegradable cleansing agents before being carded and spun at a Certified Organic Mill.
The certified organic yarn is then knitted into baby garments by Organic Handknits professional team of hand knitters. At all times throughout production the wool is kept separate from other wools to prevent contamination.

What are the benefits of Certified Organic Knitwear?

1. Organic Handknits garments use wool which is natural, undyed and unbleached. Wool is grown and manufactured without harmful chemicals providing fashionable style and quality, without sacrificing and polluting the environment.
2. Because the skin can "breath" and absorb impurities and residues, the purity and softness of Organic Handknits 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 modern textile industry.
3. Treliske Farm, the suppliers of Organic Handknits merino wool, is committed to long term sustainable farming practices. The purchase of Organic Handknits garments promotes clean air, clean water and soils free of toxic chemicals while delivering the purest quality wool, to wear next to the skin.
4. More and more people are making their purchasing decisions based on their commitment to their health and the environment. Organic Handknits garments satisfy this desire.

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.