The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) aims to transform cotton production worldwide by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity. The focus is on reducing the environmental, social and economic impact of cotton cultivation by bringing long-term benefits to farmers, farm workers, cotton farming communities and the environment.

The project supports farmers in Gansu, a poor region in China in becoming licensed BCI farmers- 5,000 farmers will get trained to cultivate according to the Better Cotton principles. The overall goal of the project is to improve the livelihoods of the farmers. This is done by encouraging the adoption of better management practices in cotton cultivation to achieve measurable reduction in key environmental impacts, while improving social and economic benefits to farmers.

The project focuses on reducing the cost of cultivation, minimising the harmful impact of crop protection practices, water management, soil health, conservation of natural habitats, care for and preservation of the quality of the fibre and the promotion of decent work.

Solidaridad
Solidaridad is an international network organisation with more than 20 years of experience in creating fair and sustainable supply chains from the producer to the consumer. Solidaridad believes that fair and sustainable trade reduces poverty and helps to preserve people’s environment. Read more about Solidaridad.