Organic cotton is grown within a rotation system that builds soil fertility, protects biodiversity, and is grown without the use of any synthetic chemicals or GMOs. Growers must meet organic agricultural standards as set nationally, and by the importing country if export is carried out. Definition: http://www.ifoam.bio/en/organic- landmarks/definition-organic-agriculture
Producing Countries (2016/17 unless otherwise stated)
India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Tajikistan, USA, Tanzania, Greece, Uganda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Peru, Egypt, Mali, Ethiopia, Brazil, Senegal, Argentina, Thailand
Manufacturing Process
N/A
Manufacturing Location
N/A
Fiber Production 2016/17 (MT)
180,871
Growth in production (2016/17 - 2017/18)
Market Share of Total Cotton Grown (2017/18)
0.68%
Projected growth in production
Projected to increase (44,394 ha in-transition in 2017/18)
Yield (see accompanying “TE Position” notes)
Claim of yield increases recorded in West Africa, India, Tajikistan and others. Dependent on rainfall in rainfed areas, alongside availability of other resources such as training. In-conversion farmers sometimes report a decline as soils stabilize to non-chemical conditions.
Rainfed/ Irrigated
75-80% rainfed
Water Management
Organic Standards require effective management of water resources. Increased soil organic matter increases resilience to flood and drought.
Soil Fertility
Effective management of soil fertility is at the heart of organic production, with requirements for crop rotation, soil conservation and soil management. Organic cotton farmers report increases
in organic matter (OM). Soil fertility challenges vary from region to region. Studies by FiBL, FAO and Rodale Institute show soil fertility increases on organic farms.
Biodiversity
Organic management maintains or enhances biodiversity in crop and noncrop habitats on farms. FAO and FiBL studies alongside others show increased biodiversity on organic farms.
GMOs Permitted?
No
Use of Hazardous Pesticides
No use of hazardous pesticides.
There are slight variations between the different organic standards regarding the exact pesticides authorized and their conditions of use.
Use of Synthetic Fertilizer
No. Organic production relies on crop rotation and natural inputs such as animal or green manures to build fertility.
LCA available?
Yes – PE International (2014b)
Water Consumption (m3/ 1000kg fiber*) or best practices used to conserve water
182
(88% reduction – LCA)
Primary Energy Demand MJ /1000 kg fiber *
5,800
(58% reduction – LCA)
Global Warming (kg of CO2-eq/ 1000kg fiber*)
978
(26% reduction – LCA)
Eutrophication (kg of phosphate-eq/ 1000 kg fiber *)
2.8
(64% reduction – LCA)
Social considerations / regulations
N/A, as they are not required standards for developing countries relating to organic production.
Verification / Certification (farm level)
Verification (annual); certification by 3rd party.
Chain of Custody (supply chain)
Identity Preserved; Certification of Supply Chain.
Product marketing/labeling
In store marketing/ on product label. 3rd party certification label optional.
Consumer recognition
Concept of organic widely understood, trusted and respected by consumers.
Livelihoods
A price differential/sustainable price (i.e. meeting the cost of production and of ecosystem value addition) is expected to occur via market mechanisms and producer group policy, but is not a requirement of the standard. Optional/ partnership investment via NGOs, corporate investment, and PG investment goes back into the community.
Product marketing/labeling
In store marketing/ on product label. 3rd party certification label optional.
Quality perception/ implications
Historical perceptions of quality being an issue – but not so much these days.
