According to a recent report from the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA), fashion brands are driving a surge in demand for organic cotton. The report highlights the increasing number of farmers who are embracing organic cotton farming due to the growing demand from the fashion industry.
The OCA, a group of industry partners dedicated to promoting organic cotton, has seen a significant rise in the number of farmers participating in its Farm Programme. During the 2020/21 season, the organization worked with over 22,000 organic cotton farmers, which marks a remarkable 180% increase. For the upcoming 2021/22 season, the OCA is collaborating with nearly 80,000 farmers, representing a further 350% increase.
This development is significant considering that the fashion sector has faced criticism for over-production and concerns about the environmental impact of conventional cotton production. Cotton accounted for about a quarter of global fiber production in 2019, making any progress towards making organic cotton the dominant option a positive step.
The momentum in cultivating organic cotton aligns with the sustainability commitments made by major fashion brands. For example, Bestseller aims to source 30% of its cotton from organic producers by 2025. The H&M Group has also incorporated in-conversion cotton into its sustainable material portfolio to support farmers transitioning to organic agriculture.
The OCA emphasizes that organic cotton farming has a substantial impact on achieving a more climate-friendly system for the fashion sector. By reducing the use of harmful chemicals and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as preserving biodiversity and healthy soils, organic cotton farming not only benefits the environment but also improves the quality of life for farmers. In fact, the organization states that its farmers earned an average of 21% more compared to conventional non-organic farmers in the 2020/21 season.
In the OCA’s Farm Programme, participating brands and retailers provide financial support to farmers, including training in organic practices, the supply of seeds and bio-inputs, and procuring cotton at premium prices. Bart Vollaard, Executive Director at OCA, believes that organic cotton is the key to a more sustainable fashion system and sees the demand for it growing stronger. He notes that more farmers are transitioning to organic farming, and global brands and retailers are expanding their organic cotton sourcing while investing in the necessary support for successful organic farming.
Links:
1. Organic Cotton Accelerator
2. The Rise in Demand for Organic Cotton – Sourcing Journal
