Fur Facts
Community
Many communities depend almost entirely on the fur trade, for instance in Kastoria, Greece where 80% of the population is employed by the fur trade. In Russia, Canada, USA, Finland, Norway, Poland and Namibia, the fur trade helps to support indigenous and rural peoples in remote areas. Read More: Our Ethics
Economics
Sales are at an all time high. In 2010, sales were over $14 billion worldwide, up 70% from 2000.
Next Generation
REMIX is the IFTF’s annual international fashion design competition. Since it’s launch in 2003 over 400 talented students from more than 22 countries have taken part. The competition aims to encourage, inspire, and support young designers as they develop and explore their relationship with fur, as well as giving them an opportunity to showcase their innovative designers to an international audience. Read More: Remix
Source
Fur comes from both farmed and wild sources. Over 85% of fur sold today is farmed. Read More: Farmed Fur
Markets
China is currently the world’s largest importer of fur. Demand is also strong in North America, Europe, Russia and the rest of the Far East. We are seeing a steady growth in demand in developing markets such as Ukraine, Turkey and Kazakhstan.
Employment
More than one million people are employed full time by the fur trade worldwide and many more on a seasonal basis. Read More: People in the Fur Trade
Labelling
Approximately 75% of all fur sold worldwide is Origin Assured [OA™]. Origin Assured is the labelling initiative developed voluntarily by the fur trade to assure consumers that their fur has come from a country where welfare regulations or industry standards are in force. Read More: Origin Assured
