Editor,

In the Saturday May 3 edition of the South Whidbey Record,  there was a letter to the editor with misleading information that was brought to our attention. On behalf of all of the Fiber Farms on the Island we felt it necessary to offer clarification as to what a Fiber Farm really is.

A Fiber Farm is a farm that raises animals for their fiber. The animals are shorn and the fiber is made into a wide range of usable and wearable goods. Fiber Farms on the Island may raise a variety of fiber-producing livestock — typically alpacas, llamas, sheep and goats. The overall goal is to annually harvest the fiber/wool and produce various end products. Some farms also maintain breeding programs.

Fiber farms are engaged in a well-grounded program to further the growth of the fiber cottage industry. We all work together to help educate the public about our animals, their care and their fiber. Several island-wide events are held throughout the year and many of the farms are open to the public year round.

One opportunity to learn about fiber farms is the Whidbey Island FiberQuest held July 12-13.

We hope this proper definition clarifies the true meaning of a Fiber Farm and corrects the misleading information printed in the May 3 letter to the editor.

Thank you,

FIBERQUEST MEMBERS,

Whidbey Island