The US Cotton Trust Protocol has opened its doors for growers to enroll in the initiative and apply for the US Climate Smart Cotton Programme.
- This is the second year of the enrollment window transition allowing growers to begin the process prior to planting and better align with peak cotton marketing dates.
- Growers who completed their enrollment during either period in 2023 will need to enroll again and are encouraged to get started to maximise benefits.
- The move presents a transformative opportunity and offering a range of benefits that go beyond sustainability.
The protocol: The Trust Protocol is free for growers and is a voluntary, science-based sustainability programme that sets a new standard for delivering value from fibre to finished products.
- US cotton producer participation in the Trust Protocol is critical as brand and retailer demand for more sustainably grown cotton is higher than ever before.
- Improving carbon footprint is also a key focus area in the coming years.
- US cotton farmers can play a vital role in achieving this through the US Climate Smart Cotton Program. The shared goal of the programme is to support farmers in adopting and implementing sustainable practices that benefit both their operations and the environment.
Climate Smart: Applications for the Climate Smart Cotton Programme will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis until 1,650 farmers are approved, including 330 farmers from historically underserved communities.
- Since the Trust Protocol’s launch in 2020, the programme has already welcomed more than 1,800 supplier members and over 40 companies and their brands including Ralph Lauren, Gap, Levi Strauss & Co and J Crew.
Key dates: The important dates are:
- 4 January: Trust Protocol enrollment and Climate Smart Cotton Program applications open.
- 1 March: Deadline to enter data and upload bales from the 2023 crop.
- 30 April: Trust Protocol Enrollment and Climate Smart Cotton Program applications close.
What they said:
The Trust Protocol is the sustainability initiative for the US cotton industry that provides growers field-level insights to help save money and improve efficiencies but is also an established platform to connect sustainably grown cotton with the supply chain. Growers who complete their enrollment in the Trust Protocol can also apply for the Climate Smart Cotton Program, providing technical and financial support to help de-risk the implementation and adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture practices.
— Daren Abney
Executive Director
US Cotton Trust Protocol
