AMSTERDAM — September 10, 2024 — As the global demand for sustainable textiles continues to rise, Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) urges industry leaders, businesses, and stakeholders across the industry to take decisive action in supporting farmers transitioning to organic cotton. OCA is joining forces with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) in the #BehindTheSeams campaign, highlighting the critical need to bolster the supply of organic fibers by supporting growers during the challenging transition from conventional to organic farming.
The #BehindTheSeams 2024 campaign, running throughout September, aims to offer unique insights into the people and practices behind organic textiles. It showcases the environmental and social benefits of organic-certified cotton, while calling on the industry to help scale the supply of organic fibers by empowering farmers.
Bridging the gap: supporting farmers during the in-conversion period
With a growing demand for organic cotton, the industry still faces a supply shortfall. The solution lies in empowering more farmers to grow organic fibers. #BehindTheSeams is spotlighting “organic in-conversion” farming and urging brands and the entire industry to support farmers during the critical transition period from conventional to organic. OCA and GOTS are highlighting this often-overlooked, yet vital stage of organic-in-conversion — the crucial period when farmers shift their practices to meet organic certification requirements. This transition, which can span up to three years, presents several challenges for farmers as they navigate fluctuating crop conditions and market uncertainties. During this time, they need unwavering support from the industry to succeed.
To support these farmers, OCA provides critical resources such as capacity-building, premium payments, and market linkages. During the 2023-2024 cotton season, OCA worked with over 35,000 in-conversion farmers in India and Pakistan, as part of a broader program that supports over 80.000 farmers. This impact has been made possible through the commitments of 16 brands participating in OCA’s Farm Program.
A win-win partnership for brands and farmers
Transitioning to organic farming requires significant knowledge and resources, and it`s an experience that no farmer should face alone. Brands that commit to purchasing in-conversion cotton invest in the additional support and inputs farmers require as they make the switch to organic practices. This commitment helps farmers navigate the challenging transition period, resulting in certified crops with significant environmental and economic benefits. OCA enables and facilitates this process, but more brands need to join OC’s Farm Programme to expand support for farmers. OCA’s Farm Programme addresses existing challenges in organic cotton farming by providing farmers with tools, expertise, and market commitments from buyers, ensuring higher earnings and a secure supply of organic fibre. The programme ensures that brands benefit from price clarity, verified impact data, and long-term supply commitments, all alligned with globally recognised organic standards.
Joining the movement for organic cotton
The #BehindTheSeams campaign calls on brands, retailers, and stakeholders across the textile industry to act now by supporting farmers during this critical in-conversion phase. By joining OCA’s Farm Programme, companies can make a tangible impact on the future of organic cotton, securing not only a sustainable supply of organic fibers but also contributing to global sustainability goals.
Posted September 10, 2024
Source: Organic Cotton Accelerator
