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In October 2001 a small group of alpaca owners from Ontario got together with the idea of starting a
provincial alpaca association. Alpaca Ontario was formed, with the following mission statement.
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MISSION STATEMENT
Alpaca Ontario represents the collective interests of Alpaca Owners and Breeders in Ontario to actively promote the
awareness of the Alpaca and related fibre industry encourage through education the highest quality Alpaca husbandry
and breeding practices and foster interaction among its members.
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Founding Members provided the financial backing for the start of the organization. The first annual Alpaca Ontario Show was held in Carp
in April 2002; there were 17 members of Alpaca Ontario at the AGM that year.
 Alpaca Ontario now has
164 members, hosts an annual alpaca halter show, presents education seminars for its
members, publishes a newsletter for its members, and participates in various events across the province to promote the alpaca industry.
Alpaca Ontario is a rapidly growing Association both in terms of membership numbers and the level of service that we provide to our members. We
are blessed with a group of dedicated volunteers who make up the Board of Directors and several Committees whose activities help to promote the
alpaca fibre industry and sound husbandry and breeding practices.
Each year, Alpaca Ontario's Fibre and Education Committees host several learning opportunities to help educate alpaca owners and potential alpaca
owners. Topics covered include: animal husbandry, vet care, breeding practices, alpaca handling techniques, farm set up, business planning, farm
advertising and promotion, shearing, skirting and sorting techniques, fibre processing, and end products.
The Events Committee, also supported by a large number of volunteers, also participates in several events each year to promote the alpaca industry
to the general public with the use of information display boards, product displays and answering questions. From the inception of our organization,
we have made regular appearances at the International Plowing Match and Rural EXPO and The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Many of our members also
participate in their local fairs.
The large growth of new alpaca ranches/farms here in Ontario and all across the country demonstrates the excitement and business potential in
the alpaca industry. This year, April 2008, Alpaca Ontario held the largest alpaca show in the country. I suggest to anyone that is beginning
their research into alpacas to have a look at our membership list on the web site and pick a few ranch/farms in your area and plan a visit.
The membership welcomes new people to come out and visit their alpacas, see their setups and to share information about the animals and the
industry.
Please browse our web site as part of your information gathering on alpacas and even if you do not yet own an alpaca feel free to join Alpaca
Ontario now to receive all the benefits of membership.
Dawn Campbell
President
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