Executive Board Members Now Named Interim General Manager of Canadian Co-Operative Wool Growers

Key Takeaways

• CCWG board now serves as interim general manager
• Morgan Moore removed from GM role
• Former GM Eric Bjergso sued CCWG for $1.5M
• Lawsuit also implicates Moore and President Allan Ribbink
• Leadership uncertainty may affect wool market and CSIP tag sales

Pulse Analysis

The Canadian Co‑operative Wool Growers (CCWG) sits at the heart of Canada’s wool supply chain, handling the bulk of wool purchases and managing the Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) tags that certify livestock. By appointing its executive board as interim general manager, CCWG signals a stop‑gap measure amid a sudden leadership void. This shift underscores the cooperative’s reliance on board governance when senior management roles become contested, and it raises questions about decision‑making continuity for farmers and retailers dependent on its services.

Complicating the transition is a $1.5 million wrongful‑dismissal lawsuit filed by former general manager Eric Bjergso, who alleges he was unjustly placed on paid leave in March 2023. The suit also names Morgan Moore and President Allan Ribbink, suggesting internal friction that may have contributed to the leadership shake‑up. Legal experts note that such disputes can drain resources, distract senior staff, and potentially expose the cooperative to reputational risk, especially when the case involves high‑profile agricultural stakeholders.

For the broader wool industry, the uncertainty at CCWG could ripple through pricing, inventory management, and the issuance of CSIP tags—critical tools for traceability and market access. Buyers may seek alternative channels, while producers could experience delays in tag procurement, affecting compliance and export readiness. Observers will watch how quickly the board stabilizes operations and whether the lawsuit resolves, as both outcomes will shape confidence in Canada’s wool supply chain and the cooperative’s long‑term governance model.