How vegan fashion is helping farmers

In the article “Why next-gen vegan fashion is farming’s unlikely ally” on FashionDive.com Stephanie Downs discusses how the growing market for plant-based fashion materials offers significant opportunities for agricultural producers. Historically, there has been tension between sustainability advocates and farmers due to the environmental impact of livestock. However, the development of new, non-plastic-based vegan materials from plants creates a new collaborative path.

This shift allows farmers to supply raw materials for high-end fashion, moving beyond lower-profit commodity markets. Examples include Stella McCartney’s collaboration with Veuve Clicquot for wine by-product leather, and companies producing materials from cactus, apple, and mushrooms. By producing sustainable biomaterials, farmers can diversify income, improve their image, and help combat climate change. This collaboration between fashion, farming, and sustainability is seen as a beneficial and attractive area for investors.