The US Cotton Trust Protocol has launched its Field Partner Programme pilot, designed to scale regenerative US cotton by combining recognised practices with measurable outcomes. Targeting the 2025 crop year, the initiative provides brands and retailers with transparent sourcing options while offering growers a clear route into regenerative supply chains. It introduces a framework that strengthens verification processes and demonstrates commitment to measurable sustainability improvements.
- The programme aims to enhance benefits for brand members while testing demand for regenerative cotton in a scalable and efficient system.
- A dual framework has been introduced where practices and outcomes are combined to maximise sustainability impact for both growers and market participants.
- The pilot will assess market appetite for regenerative cotton and establish traceable pathways for moving regenerative bales through the supply chain.
THE TRIGGER: The Trust Protocol formally unveiled the Field Partner Programme pilot on 4 September 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. The announcement confirmed the programme’s immediate application to the 2025 crop year, focusing on growers, brands, and retailers seeking traceable regenerative cotton. It emphasised the initiative’s purpose of offering credible sourcing pathways, building market trust, and supporting sustainability targets with a structured verification framework.
- The pilot provides an official structure to recognise regenerative practices and outcomes through a multi-level assurance process.
- The announcement reinforced the Trust Protocol’s foundation of continuous improvement backed by scientific verification.
- The launch creates a clear mechanism for enabling regenerative cotton to move transparently through the global supply chain.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: Brands and retailers are increasingly expected to demonstrate credible progress toward sustainability commitments, while growers require recognised frameworks to validate regenerative practices. The Field Partner Programme connects these interests, giving supply chain actors the assurance of traceability. By providing a transparent and credible system, the initiative aims to bridge market demand with verifiable outcomes that directly address stakeholder needs.
- Participating growers gain recognition for regenerative practices that align with global sustainability expectations and strengthen market positioning.
- Brands and retailers receive credible sourcing options that support public sustainability targets while differentiating supply portfolios.
- The programme responds to mounting demand for regenerative materials that contribute to agricultural systems with measurable environmental benefits.
WHAT THE DATA SHOWS: The Trust Protocol established minimum requirements for participation, translating regenerative frameworks from leading organisations into operational criteria. Eligibility is based on growers implementing practices across soil health, water management, synthetic inputs, water quality, and biodiversity. Verification integrates field visits with advanced satellite imagery, ensuring measurable outcomes. The approach combines existing infrastructure with new assurance processes to guarantee process integrity and transparent impact measurement.
- Growers are pre-assessed using detailed field-level data prior to eligibility confirmation for programme participation.
- Verification occurs alongside existing Trust Protocol checks, aligning both processes for consistency and efficiency.
- Satellite imagery complements field inspections to validate regenerative outcomes, offering robust evidence of implementation.
UP NEXT: The 2025 pilot was developed with input from member brands and aggregators and is aligned with Field to Market’s regenerative agriculture guidance. Its objectives include testing traceability systems, gauging demand, and validating credibility. Broader rollout is tentatively targeted for 2026, providing stakeholders time to refine framework elements and adapt systems. The phased approach underscores both practical testing and industry collaboration.
- The pilot refines programme design through stakeholder input, ensuring operational viability and credibility.
- Alignment with Field to Market guidance situates the initiative within recognised regenerative agriculture frameworks.
- Tentative 2026 implementation signals strategic intent for scaling regenerative cotton in commercial supply chains.
