Conventional cotton has historic high pesticide use. In general, GMOs have reduced insecticide use but increased herbicide use. Also, resistance is developing leading to a rise in chemical use. Petroleum-based fertilizers are utilized widely to boost production, as are fungicides, insecticides, growth regulators, and defoliants. Water is also an issue with high irrigation and impacts on toxicity of ground and aquifers.
Producing Countries (2016/17 unless otherwise stated)
60 cotton-producing countries worldwide – top 10 are India, China, USA, Brazil, Pakistan, Australia, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Mexico, Turkmenistan
Manufacturing Process
N/A
Manufacturing Location
N/A
Fiber Production 2016/17 (MT)
20,816,038
Growth in production (2016/17 - 2017/18)
Market Share of Total Cotton Grown (2017/18)
80%
Projected growth in production
Slight decline of 2-3%
Yield (see accompanying “TE Position” notes)
806kg/ha global avg. (ICAC 2017/18)
Rainfed/ Irrigated
50-70% irrigated
Water Management
Competition for limited water resources is one of the most critical issues faced by irrigated agriculture (Cotton Inc.)
Soil Fertility
Addressed through use of petroleum-based fertilizers. No or low tillage practices also utilized in some areas, but this leads to increased herbicide use to manage inter crops.
Biodiversity
Primarily a mono-crop culture
GMOs Permitted?
Yes – over 80% globally and estimated at over 90% in the USA and India
Use of Hazardous Pesticides
Permitted
Use of Synthetic Fertilizer
Permitted
LCA available?
Yes – Cotton Inc. (2017)
Water Consumption (m3/ 1000kg fiber*) or best practices used to conserve water
1,559 (LCA)
Primary Energy Demand MJ /1000 kg fiber *
13,720 (LCA)
Global Warming (kg of CO2-eq/ 1000kg fiber*)
1,326 (LCA)
Eutrophication (kg of phosphate-eq/ 1000 kg fiber *)
7.8 (LCA)
Social considerations / regulations
Verification / Certification (farm level)
No
Chain of Custody (supply chain)
Not in every geographic area.
Product marketing/labeling
Various schemes are available for “100% cotton” products.
Consumer recognition
The Cotton Inc. Cotton Seal has consumer recognition in the US Market.
Livelihoods
Commodity prices based upon market conditions.
Product marketing/labeling
Various schemes are available for “100% cotton” products.
