Fibershed

Fibershed exemplifies a group of people taking an aspirational vision for the future and doing the hard work to turn it into a reality. Fibershed founder Rebecca Burgess developed a personal challenge for herself, to create a personal wardrobe that used dyes, fibers, and labor from within 150 miles. From that personal commitment emerged an organization and an impressive Northern California network of regenerative ranchers, local textile manufacturers, and artisans that are reinvigorating an industry and driving opportunities for regenerative agriculture.

The Northern California fiber industry has endured some acute challenges recently, from the collapse of wool markets to the challenges of conducting business during a pandemic. Fibershed has prioritized efforts to provide stability to ranchers and artisans, as well as more collaboration with California tribal communities.

The Grant

Fibershed has been one of RAF’s primary grantees since 2016 because of the organization’s remarkable ability to create markets for regenerative agriculture where none had existed. The combination of market savvy, artisan ingenuity, and commitment to doing well for every member of the fiber supply chain has created a truly unique ecosystem that is regenerating rangelands and producing beautiful fabrics.