This year, CottonConnect and Innovation Forum made significant strides together in promoting regenerative agriculture within the cotton industry. From our documentary using our work with cotton farmers in Gujarat as a case study to webinars and workshops, we've been focused on scaling regenerative cotton across the fashion and textiles supply chain. Through each of these events and content, we have showcased the transformative potential of regenerative practices. The partnership has allowed us to show the transformative potential of regenerative practices which not only boosts yields but also improves soil health, supports ecosystems, and improves farmer livelihoods. The content is still available to access for anyone interested in finding out more about scaling regenerative agriculture across the industry: To learn more about our work with cotton farmers in Gujarat, you can watch this film https://lnkd.in/eCbhWpjH Watch/listen to Innovation Forum and CottonConnect's free webinar https://lnkd.in/eJ_be2Zn For more information on our Regenerative Agriculture work, visit https://lnkd.in/gS3egCWf #Regenerativeagriculture #Regenerativecotton #soilhealth #supplychain #sustainability #sustainablefarming #sustainablecotton #biodiversity #cotton #partnerships
About us
CottonConnect is a pioneering company with a social purpose, delivering business benefits to retailers and brands by creating a more sustainable cotton supply chain. CottonConnect has teams in Europe, South Asia and China with farm, value chain management and textiles expertise, and an extensive on the ground network.
- Website
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http://www.cottonconnect.org
External link for CottonConnect
- Industry
- Strategic Management Services
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- London
- Type
- Privately Held
Locations
Employees at CottonConnect
Updates
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The latest International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) Specialty Cotton Report is out, and we're excited to share that CottonConnect’s REEL Cotton programme has been featured! The report highlights pioneering identity cotton programmes from around the globe, and we’re proud to be showcased alongside esteemed initiatives like the Better Cotton Initiative, Brazil's ABR programme, and Australia's myBMP. REEL Cotton Code is CottonConnect’s flagship three-year agricultural training programme for sustainable cotton production. The REEL Cotton programme follows the REEL Cotton Code and stands out for its commitment to Renewable, Ethical, Environmental, and Local practices, pushing the boundaries of sustainable cotton production. This recognition reaffirms our dedication to sustainable cotton production and transparent supply chains. Check out the report here https://lnkd.in/grid7NW2 #sustainablecotton #sustainability #sustainableagriculture #REELcotton #CottonConnect
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We're excited to be a part of Cascale Annual Meeting this year! Join us from September 9-11 to discuss the future of sustainable supply chains and how we can drive positive change across the textile industry. #CascaleAM2024 #AnnualMeeting2024 #NewEraUnifiedImpact
We’re very pleased to have CottonConnect sponsor this year’s Annual Meeting as Coffee Break Hosts! Headquartered in London with teams around the world, CottonConnect is reimagining the future for supply chains by improving the sustainability of global textile supply chains. Their work helps brands access more sustainable cotton and natural fibers, creating a transparent and resilient supply chain. With accolades like ‘SME of the Year’ at the Edies and ‘Partnership of the Year’ with Primark and SEWA at the Reuters Sustainable Business Awards, their impact is truly transformational. Join us this September 9-11 at the Cascale Annual Meeting to address the most pressing challenges facing our industry and pave the way for a more equitable and restorative future. Register now to secure your spot! https://lnkd.in/epHiUJim #CascaleAM2024 #AnnualMeeting2024 #NewEraUnifiedImpact
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Water is a vital but limited resource, increasingly at risk due to pollution and overuse. The lack of widespread adoption of water-saving irrigation technologies in conventional cotton farming strains resources and contributes to environmental and agricultural concerns. But it doesn't have to be this way. This World Water Week, we're highlighting the urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices. Fortunately, there are methods to cultivate cotton that give back to nature more than it takes away. What has worked for us? We have been actively training farmers to adopt measures that optimize water use for irrigation and recharge water resources. Practices such as alternate furrow irrigation, soil and water conservation activities, intercropping, mulching, drip irrigation, water use planning aligned with crop cycles, rainwater harvesting techniques, and well water monitoring have proven to be effective channels of water management. Our latest Impact Report 2023 showed a 21.6 percent reduction in water usage within our REEL cotton programmes over one year, and in our organic cotton programmes the percentage of farmers who adopted water efficiency practices increased from 57% to 98%. Find out how we're training farmers to adopt more sustainable farming practices to protect our biodiversity, soil, and, of course, water. https://lnkd.in/gTaFp6EM #wwweek #Wateraction #waterconservation #Sustainablecotton #WorldWaterWeek #water #sustainablefuture #sustainability #sustainableagriculture
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We recently hosted a roundtable event on the importance of placing women farmers at the forefront of climate mitigation and sustainable agriculture programmes. Today, on Women's Equality Day, we're reflecting on some of the insights that emerged from our discussions. In particular, four key challenges came to light that are hindering women's full participation in such initiatives. 1) Women are frequently overlooked as farmers. This lack of recognition leads to their exclusion in training programs, financial support systems and more. 2) Cultural stereotypes, deeply ingrained in many societies, are also limiting women's ability to take on leadership roles, voice their needs and advocate for themselves and their communities. 3) Though often the primary contributors to agricultural labour, women also have to shoulder the burden of domestic responsibilities. Climate change has only exacerbated this load, as they are left to manage limited and depleting resources like water and cooking fuel. 4) Women are often given very little decision-making power or control over the land they work on. Indeed, most land is typically registered in the name of a male family member. Find out how we're investing in women farmers, and supporting them to overcome these hurdles. https://lnkd.in/gizH4euz #Womenequalityday #Womenequality #Genderequality #Womenfarmers #womensrights #Empoweringwomen #genderinclusion #SDG5 #climateresilience #climateaction #landrights #womenincotton #womeninagriculture
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The cotton season is in full swing, and our farmers are actively engaged in farm activities across our program locations. It’s exciting to see the integration of more regenerative practices on farms - with a strong focus on improving and preserving soil health—one of the most crucial pillars of regenerative agriculture. Here’s how we’re making a difference: 𝗦𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 ensures that soil is well-covered with live mulch before sowing and with adequate crop cover after, farmers conserve moisture, prevent erosion, and foster a vibrant ecosystem below the soil surface. 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 allows the soil to heal and repair. Minimising or eliminating tillage preserves its natural structure and protects essential microbes, laying the foundation for proper soil preparation and creating the ideal environment for seeds to flourish. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗽 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 involve introducing crop diversity, enhancing soil fertility and resilience. Our farmers integrate crops like pigeon peas (legumes), mung beans, and cowpeas with cotton, enriching the soil by naturally fixing nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers, and boosting overall soil vitality. Learn more about our regenerative agriculture work https://lnkd.in/gS3egCWf #Regenerativeagriculture #regenerativecotton #Soilhealth #Sustainablefarming #sustainablecotton #Climateaction #cotton
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Women are the backbone of agriculture in developing nations, yet their contributions are often overlooked. At CottonConnect, we’ve been committed to changing that. Last week, we convened a powerful roundtable in India with our Gender Advisory Panel, women climate change ambassadors, farmers, and partners to discuss empowering and investing in women farmers for sustainable agriculture and climate mitigation. Building on the success of our Women in Cotton programmes, particularly the Women Climate Change Ambassador initiative, the group shared experiences, insights, and strategies for creating a more sustainable and equitable future for women in cotton. Our strength has always been engaging directly with our farmers and stakeholders to understand their needs and priorities and ensure that our programmes meet their requirements. Here's a compilation of some interesting points from the roundtable. #climateaction #climatemitigation #Genderequality #womenincotton #sustainablecotton #sustainableagriculture #SDG5 #SDG13 #CottonConnect
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We are pleased to announce that our CEO, Alison Ward, has been featured in Sourcing Journal's ESG Outlook. In this detailed interview, Alison discusses CottonConnect’s commitment to a sustainable cotton supply chain, our pioneering traceability platform TraceBale, and the strides we’re making in regenerative agriculture. Learn about our current initiatives, our approach to empowering farmers and supporting women in agriculture, and our vision for the future. To know more - https://lnkd.in/g794q8f4 #cotton #sustainability #CottonConnect #SoilHealth #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativecotton
ESG Outlook: Alison Ward of CottonConnect on Delivering a More Sustainable Cotton Supply Chain
https://sourcingjournal.com
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Arif Makhdum, Agriculture Advisor and Global Regenerative Lead (Consultant) at CottonConnect, was featured on Sustainable Agriculture Network's AgroTalk webinar this week. He discussed regenerative agriculture as a holistic approach that improves soil health, promotes biodiversity, and enhances the resilience of smallholder farmers worldwide. He covered a range of topics—from managing soil pH to fostering ecological infrastructure—all crucial insights for anyone invested in regenerative agriculture. #soilhealth #biodiversity #climateaction #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativecotton
🌱 Exploring the Future of Regenerative Cotton Farming This week, our AgroTalk webinar featured Arif Makhdum, Agriculture Advisor and Global Regenerative Lead at CottonConnect, an esteemed SAN network member. He shared invaluable insights into the critical role of soil health and biodiversity in the future of cotton farming. Regenerative agriculture is more than a set of practices—it's a holistic approach that improves soil health, promotes biodiversity, and enhances the resilience of smallholder farmers worldwide. From managing soil pH to fostering ecological infrastructure, the lessons shared in this session are essential for anyone invested in sustainable agriculture. Check out our latest blog post to dive deeper into the discussion and learn how regenerative practices can transform the cotton industry and beyond. https://lnkd.in/erz2J4d7 #SustainableAgriculture #RegenerativeFarming #SoilHealth #Biodiversity #CottonFarming #Sustainability
Soil Health & Biodiversity: The Future of Regenerative Cotton Farming
sustainableagriculture.eco
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Fashion Makes Change is starting the fall edition of Keep the Change! This inspiring initiative invites customers to round up their purchases or make a donation to support women’s empowerment within the fashion industry. A great chance to support positive change!
Join us! Fashion Makes Change is excited to announce the kickoff of the fall edition of Keep the Change. During this consumer engagement campaign, brands invite customers to round-up their purchases or simply donate on their behalf to support garment workers, specifically supporting women’s empowerment in our fashion supply networks: mills, manufacturing and farm based programs. Participation Dates: September 29 to December 31, 2024 Why Partner with Us? Impact: Your support will provide training and education through well-respected global programs, such as RISE, which benefited 188,352 women from funds raised in 2021. Visibility: Showcase your brand's commitment to gender equality and climate impact at the farm. How You Can Participate: 1. Consumer point-of-sale round-up: When shopping in-store or online, consumers can be asked to participate by rounding up their purchases. Companies select the period of time for participation – month of September, week, day, etc. 2. Brand/Retailer Giving: Brand and Retailers may make donations on behalf of their customers to support women in factories and workers on the farm in a way that is complementary to their existing giving strategy. Learn more and sign up at https://lnkd.in/eXRK_UW7, or contact us at [email protected] to speak with us. Special thanks to our amazing Keep the Change ambassador team for their incredible support and for helping us get the word out - Robert Antoshak, Nicholas Brown, Rachel Cantu, Brent Crossland, Rui Fontoura, Liz Hershfield, Celeste Lilore, Sandra Marquardt, Alison Ward, and Kathleen Wood #FMC #fashionmakeschange #keepthechange #supportwomen #supportfarmers #womensrights #equalityforwomen #womeninfashion #garmentworkers #sustainability
Keep the Change - Want to get Involved?
fashionmakeschange.org