Janny Wijna 

Janny Wijna is the driving force behind Wolboerderij Blij Bezuiden and DutchMerino®. Whilst the textile industry often focuses on the end product, her expertise lies at the very source: the production of Dutch Merino wool. Janny showcases Merino as a dual-purpose sheep; the answer to breeds that are solely used for lamb meat. In this complete cycle, she focuses on wool quality, animal welfare and health through sound grazing policies, which contribute to a vibrant and beautiful countryside. She is now applying her in-depth knowledge of fibres, gained through craftsmanship, to mechanical processing via a wide network. In doing so, Janny is fighting hard for profitability at the start of the chain. After all, a fair price for both the wool and the lamb meat is crucial to establishing a healthy link between agroecology and the textile sector.

Within the NewTexEco Network, you can come to me for specialist expertise and collaboration right at the very start of the textile supply chain. Partners can call on me for: 

• The Sheep as a dual-purpose animal & a value chain vision: Strategic advice on the Merino as a profitable and sustainable alternative to pure meat breeds, with a focus on the complete cycle (wool, meat and grazing policy). 

• Profitability at source: Contributing ideas on fair pricing models and value creation at the start of the supply chain, so that agro-ecological production remains financially viable. 

• Merino wool from the Netherlands: In-depth knowledge of the technical properties, wool quality and grading of locally produced Merino wool. 

• Mechanical processing & upscaling: Access to an extensive network and expertise for the industrial/mechanical washing, carding, combing and spinning of local wool streams into high-quality yarn. 

• From craft to industry: Knowledge transfer on how in-depth, traditional fibre expertise (spinning/weaving) forms the essential foundation for successful machine-based textile innovation.