We want to create a multifaceted space that can serve growers and other industry stakeholders, create a workforce development model that can fill the middle skill gap, and develop renewable bio products. Our fiber processing mill will service Georgia area cottage industry growers, small to medium flock farms, hand spinners, and textile students. This type of mill will expand access in an area that is currently underserved in this state. This facility will also house an Education Center for us to assist growers with both animal husbandry practices and small business services, as well as regenerative farming practices. The Mill will also run an internship and apprenticeship program thereby expanding workforce development for skilled trades that are lacking and broadening access for local textile students to learn more about their own local textile economy.
Our Education Program:
This grant would allow us to incorporate education into our model by working with local universities and guilds to promote animal husbandry best practices, sustainable farming practices, and independent production of fibers and fabrics. We would also be able to help provide business education for growers to help them expand their farms and apply for grants.
By working with local universities we can educate Textile students on the accessibility of local fibers and their uses. We will also utilize our education center for textile and fiber arts classes for our community as an additional revenue stream. The Education Center would allow us to employ Master Shearers, Farmers, & Fiber Artists by expanding access to education that is typically reserved for higher education, and comes at a higher individual cost, or is typically a paid service.
Our Sustainability Practices:
The Mill will work to produce green products with our waste, such as landscaping felt, acoustic felt, batting for insulation, dryer balls, and pellets for fertilizer. Having a mill accessible to Metro Atlanta would save fuel emissions for small growers that would have to travel far or ship their wool. The Mill will have a solar water heater and a water filtration system, in order to utilize natural methods of power and to reuse our wash and dye water.
Our Apprenticeship Program:
We are developing an apprenticeship program that will expand access to a skilled trade. The number one reason for fiber mill closures across the US is the lack of available workforce as owners age out (*See Fibershed Survey in Other Narrative documents). We want to work with local communities to develop a skilled trade that can be applied to many different manufacturing industries. This will also fill the Middle Skill Gap as articulated in a 2014 Harvard Study.
