Textile Exchange

The Sustainable Cotton Project (SCP) works with California cotton growers to reduce their use of the most toxic chemicals used on cotton. The main project purpose is to promote alternatives to chemical farming systems. Growers make use of regular field scouting, planting of annual hedgerows which serve as trap crops and sources of food for beneficial insects, releases of beneficial insects for pest outbreaks, and use reduced risk materials when needed. Growers also have access to technical advice through collaboration with University of California Cooperative Extension Advisors and University of California Integrated Pest Management experts. Growers who enroll their cotton in the program and utilize the SCP growing practices have the opportunity to market their cotton as Cleaner Cottonâ?¢. Marketing this cotton helps to support growers who are willing to make a change in the way they produce their crop and who are committed to reducing the environmental impacts of growing cotton.