Better cotton combined with Brazil’s cotton field in sustainable production
The first multistakeholder dialogue with cotton producers, exporters, textile associations, retailers, brands, government representatives, financial institutions and non-governmental organizations was held on March 26 in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil.
During this gathering, participants pointed out climate resilience, traceability and enhanced collaboration as key focal points to inform the upcoming strategy. These strategies are expected to establish industry benchmarks and address a wide range of agricultural issues.
Lena Staafgård, COO of Better Cotton, said: “Brazil’s agricultural industry is very large, not only the leading producer and exporter of cotton, but also the exporter of many other commodities. We bring together the key stakeholders across Brazil and we have created a platform to overcome common challenges and championships.
For more than a decade, Better Cotton has been active in Brazil’s cotton field in collaboration with Abrapa (Brazil Cotton Manufacturers Association).
Given that cotton cultivation often alternates with other crops, it is crucial for various sectors to work closely to overcome mutual challenges and encourage the adoption of exemplary practices.
“I think dialogue is a way for us to build alliances of ideas and solutions, and different departments that often tend to isolate ourselves and think differently, which only leads to progress and progress,” said Márcio Antonio Portocarrero, executive director of Abrapa.
This work provides Brazilian cotton farmers with an opportunity to interact more firmly with key industry players. It enables them to share their experiences and concerns while promoting innovative solutions to meet challenges that affect the entire sector.
Kamila Garantizado, sustainability expert at Brazilian department store chain Lojas Renner, said: “It’s a highly educational environment and very active listening. It’s obvious that it’s necessary to [of others] Relatively similar to ours, such as improving communication. ”
Participants have committed to ongoing collaboration and plan to meet again in the near future to continue moving towards enhancing sustainable cotton farming practices in Brazil.
In April last year, Better Cotton was criticized for allegedly conducting a “flawed” audit of “dirty” Brazilian cotton.
At the time, Better Cotton said: “The allegations from the nonprofit Earthsight are related to two companies that own or manage many farms in Bahia and cover illegal deforestation, green spaces robbing green spaces from local communities, and other issues.”
