TERMINAL MARKET OPTIONS
ACOA wants to cover as many options as possible for growers of alpacas to succeed in their business whether it be alpacas, fiber, or end products. Providing a reference resource for the meat and hide end product sector of the alpaca industry delivers those options to those looking to maximize their returns whatever the focus of their business model.
What is the “terminal market” or the “livestock model?” At least here, in the United States, these are relatively new terms to many in the alpaca business. Simply put, the “livestock model” is any business model that offers the production of meat and hides as a part of a given alpaca grower’s overall business plan. The United States represents one of the largest major alpaca producing nations in the world where a live stock model has not yet been embraced. The Alpaca Coalition of America (ACOA) feels that the option of a terminal market, at the very least, needs to be a part of the conversation if the US alpaca industry is to grow, thrive, and be sustainable in the years ahead.
ACOA understands that the idea of producing meat or hides from one’s alpacas may not appeal to all growers. However for those that are interested in exploring and ultimately pursuing a livestock model in their alpaca business, ACOA will serve as a resource. As interest has grown in the terminal market for alpaca products in the US, alpaca growers have had many questions and, up until now, there has been little to aid those interested in pursuing a livestock model in their businesses. As alpaca meat is not currently regulated by the USDA (USDA does not recognize the alpaca as a meat animal), laws regarding the production and sale of alpaca meat and hides vary greatly from state to state. Some states here in the US offer meat inspection through their state agricultural departments or agencies, while many others do not. In the months ahead ACOA will produce a database of resources that, amongst other things, will hope to provide some clarity on the regulatory landscape as it pertains to the production of alpaca meat and hides throughout the entire country, serving alpaca growers and producers of all sizes alike.