Sustainability is a complex issue for both brands and cotton producers. From reporting and meeting climate goals to staying ahead of the latest sustainability innovations, these challenges continue to shape the landscape of cotton production. Cotton Incorporated is committed to helping producers become more climate-resilient by promoting sustainable practices, and our Natural Resource Survey helps us better understand the key concerns of cotton growers, allowing us to direct our research and resources toward their most pressing needs.
The survey provided key insights into the top priorities of growers and some new investments in sustainable practices. We learned that cotton production cost and the occurrence of extreme weather events are among the top concerns, but there is also a growing concern on water availability and consumer attitudes towards agriculture. More growers are adopting sustainable practices like cover cropping, with usage increasing from 20% in 2015 to 48% in 2023. Reduced tillage methods have also gained traction, helping improve soil structure and supporting more resilient farming.*
Through engagement in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol’s Climate Smart Cotton Program, Cotton Incorporated and other grant collaborators provide direct support and incentives for growers adopting sustainable farming practices. These efforts reflect the cotton industry’s ongoing commitment to responsible agriculture and continuous improvement. To learn more about the Natural Resource Survey and our sustainable initiatives, watch the video below:
*Bayramova, J., Pires, S., Barnes, E., Morgan, G., Kurtz, R., & Daystar, J. (2024). Sustainable Cotton Farming Trends: Leveraging Natural Resource Survey Insights for U.S. Cotton Production. BioResources, 19(4), 7279–7319. Retrieved from https://ojs.bioresources.com/index.php/BRJ/article/view/23728