Sif Matthíasdóttir, Hrísakot, chairman of the Goat Breeding Association of Iceland and Jóhanna Bergmann Þorvaldsdóttir, goat farmer at Háafell in Hvítársíða, introduced goat farming and goat products on Vínlandsleið. Employees were given a short introduction about goats and were invited to taste goat products, but Sif and Jóhanna were present to meet with Matís about a possible collaboration.
Goats have accompanied Icelanders since the settlement, as can be seen in place names around the country. In the middle of the 20th century, the stock dried up, but since then attempts have been made to maintain it. In 2014, the Icelandic goat population numbered 987 animals (according to www.bondi.is).
Goats have valuable products that can be processed, such as milk, shellfish, meat and skins. It has also been possible to get creams and soaps made from goat products and herbs at Háafell.
Goats are not runes like sheep, and their wool needs to be combed with a special comb. Jóhanna wore a scarf that she pointed out was made from soft and warmer cashmere wool from an Icelandic goat, which is known for its varied color patterns. Since the Icelandic goat has been isolated in Iceland for about 1100 years, the wool is held in high esteem because it is considered to resemble one of the most woolly so-called cashmere goats.
Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, Jóhanna Bergmann Þorvaldsdóttir, goat farmer
Háafell in Hvítársíða and Sif Matthíasdóttir, Hrísakot, chairman of the Icelandic Goat Breeding Association.