BASF invites cotton farmers from the USA and Greece to talk about Regenerative Ag – Sourcing Journal

As brands target conscious consumers, the production of cotton under Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) is increasing. Research shows that production of this type of fiber – like Better Cotton – has roughly doubled every two and a half years since 2008.

However, for some brands, regenerative agriculture is still a new concept, and sustainably sourcing natural fibers is a challenge for others; Cotton in particular is often referred to as a water-guzzling crop. That’s why BASF Agricultural Solutions brought together a “global delegation” of cotton farmers last week to give them the opportunity to voice their concerns and ideas for moving forward.

“BASF is committed to creating a better future for cotton production and the cotton textile industry,” said Ray Daniels, seed sustainability manager at BASF. “We know that cotton farmers are the cornerstone of sustainable production. That’s why we offer them an international platform to share their ideas about how agriculture must meet the needs of current and future generations through profitability, environmental health and social and economic justice.”

On September 12, the “Together for the World’s Greatest Job” event took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City Cotton farmers from Greece and the United States participate in a roundtable discussion with BASF executives about overcoming the challenges associated with growing cotton sustainably. Farmers discussed how BASF can help create a better future for cotton production and the cotton textile industry, that regenerative farming practices are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and that transparency and traceability are “critical” to continued success.

Texas cotton farmers Randy and Pat Smith welcomed the opportunity to shed light on their work growing sustainable, soil-friendly crops. “Consumers are not always aware of the effort farmers like us put into regenerative agriculture, and we want to continue sharing our story and gaining their support,” they said.

BASF said the e3 Sustainable Cotton program supports cotton production in the United States, while the Certified Sustainable FiberMax (CSF) program supports European production. BASF’s e3 Sustainable Cotton program is an “unprecedented effort” to provide additional economic support to enrolled farmers committed to growing sustainable cotton. At the same time, CSF is a PASF program for “superior, traceable and sustainable” cotton. Both enable farmers to have “field-level cotton traceability” and provide tools to track and measure the environmental and social impacts of their cotton production.

“Agriculture is so central to our lives, but many don’t consider the huge impact it can have,” said Gustavo Palerosi Carneiro, Vice President of BASF Agricultural Solutions EMEA & CIS. “It is also an industry that is going through a time of unprecedented change. Farmers face the increasingly difficult but increasingly important task of balancing the need for increased productivity, environmental protection and added value to society.”

“United for the Biggest Job on Earth” is part of a partnership with the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network, a United Nations-hosted online platform for industry to connect and accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.