AbTF launches New regenerative cotton standard for small-scale farmers

Category: FIBRES

Country: Germany

The standard also helps brands and retailers meet sustainability reporting requirements through CMiA's online tracking system which is designed to create transparency throughout the value chain.

By Simon Glover
6th November 2023

HAMBURG - The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) – which manages the Cotton Made in Africa (CMiA) initiative – has launched a new standard for regenerative cotton produced by small-scale farmers.

The Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS) is said to be the first regenerative cotton standard that explicitly prioritises the interests and knowledge of small-scale farmers involved in the production process.

RCS centres on small-scale farmers and on incorporating their agricultural knowledge into a cotton production system that supports and strengthens natural regenerative processes.

It combines proven approaches to improving human rights and environmental aspects in cotton production by supporting measures for adapting to climate change, actively including small-scale farming communities, and promoting animal welfare.

RCS farmers will receive support in applying proven practices like expanded crop rotation, optimised biomass usage, mixed crops and agroforestry systems to increase their resilience to climate change and improve soil health.

The standard also helps brands and retailers meet sustainability reporting requirements through CMiA's online tracking system which is designed to create transparency throughout the value chain.

AbTF says that, with small-scale farmers and textile companies facing growing challenges, its new standard can play a key role in ensuring the resilience and future viability of the sector.

“We are glad that the Regenerative Cotton Standard will enrich our foundation’s family of standards, starting immediately,” said managing director Tina Stridde.

“We are certain that RCS will meet the high standard of our clients because it combines high-quality cotton with strong social and ecological credentials. This is supported by the fact that we are already seeing great interest in RCS from both existing and new partners.”

Courtesy: Ecotextile.com