Kyrgyz pastoralists are learning that their local cashmere goats are more valuable than the Russian Don and Angora crossbred goats introduced in previous decades to Soviet collective farms. Chinese buyers - interested in all grades of cashmere - offer no price differential for quality or colour, providing no incentive for Kyrgyz farmers to add value by sorting. However, following recommendations from a research and consultancy firm with experience in pastoral livestock production and marketing, farmers are realising they can attract the higher prices paid by European companies in search of the best quality cashmere. 06/05/09