Quality perception/ implications
Historical perceptions of quality being an issue – but not so much these days.
Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA)
Objective
Sustainable African Cotton for a global Textile Industry.
Overview
Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) fosters continuous improvement for a social, environmentally friendly and economically viable cotton production in Africa by building up a strong alliance of retailers and brands that rely on CmiA certified cotton. Training farmers in sustainably sound agricultural and efficient business skills, guaranteeing farmers and ginnery workers ethical trade conditions, It supports the communities CmiA is grown in with special projects that lift up their living conditions and the standards of their communities.
Manufacturing Process
N/A
Manufacturing Location
N/A
Fiber Production 2016/17 (MT)
495,839 mt
Growth in production (2015/16 - 2016/17)
55%
Market Share of Total Cotton Grown (2016/17)
2.15%
Projected growth in production
Projected increase
Yield (see accompanying “TE Position” notes)
Claim of 20% average yield increase
Rainfed/ Irrigated
100% rainfed
Water Management
CmiA farmers practice rainfed agriculture exclusively. This means they do not use any artificial irrigation.
Soil Fertility
Farmers receive training to improve agricultural practices, particularly soil and water conservation. Composting and manure are encouraged whilst crop rotation is mandatory.
Biodiversity
Destruction of primary forest (or other designated resources protected by national or international law) for the purpose of cotton production is prohibited.
GMOs Permitted?
No
Use of Hazardous Pesticides
Promotes bio-intensive IPPM and excludes pesticides banned under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the WHO list of highly hazardous and hazardous pesticides, and pesticides listed in the Rotterdam Convention on PIC.
Use of Synthetic Fertilizer
Excessive use of fertilizers not an issue in CmiA’s growing regions; IPM, organic manure and compost pits encouraged.
LCA available?
Yes – PE International (2014a)
Water Consumption (m3/ 1000kg fiber*) or best practices used to conserve water
1
(~100% reduction – LCA)
Primary Energy Demand MJ /1000 kg fiber *
No data
Global Warming (kg of CO2-eq/ 1000kg fiber*)
1,037
(42% reduction – LCA)
Eutrophication (kg of phosphate-eq/ 1000 kg fiber *)
Destruction of primary forest (or other designated resources protected by national or international law) for the purpose of cotton production is prohibited.
Social considerations / regulations
No
Verification / Certification (farm level)
Promotes bio-intensive IPPM and excludes pesticides banned under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the WHO list of highly hazardous and hazardous pesticides, and pesticides listed in the Rotterdam Convention on PIC.
Chain of Custody (supply chain)
Excessive use of fertilizers not an issue in CmiA’s growing regions; IPM, organic manure and compost pits encouraged.
Product marketing/labeling
In store marketing/ on product labeling (own label or CmiA hangtag).
Consumer recognition
13% awareness among German consumers (measured Aug 2016).
Livelihoods
No price differential for farmers but the volume-based fee paid by brands/retailers is reinvested in the Foundation’s activities, e.g. farmer training, verification, community projects, etc.
Product marketing/labeling
No membership fee but retailers/ brands pay a volume-based fee and spinning mills pay a small annual registration fee.