AMSTERDAM – The Organic Cotton Accelerator’s (OCA) network of farmers has grown from around 22,000 to nearly 80,000 in just one year, according to the multi-stakeholder organisation’s new Farm Programme Impact Report.
The OCA says it’s been buoyed by demand for more ‘sustainable’ cotton by brands and retailers, which has helped associated farmers earn on average 21 per cent more than those which use conventional practices.
“Organic cotton holds the key to a more sustainable fashion system and we see demand getting stronger. More farmers are switching to organic farming and more global brands and retailers are expanding their organic cotton sourcing and investing the support required for farmers to grow organic successfully,” commented OCA executive director, Bart Vollaard.
