21 April 2023, Mumbai
Better Cotton, the largest cotton sustainability initiative in the world, has updated its Principles & Criteria (P&C) to ensure continuous improvement and sustainability impact at the field-level.
The P&C establishes the requirements farmers must comply with to obtain a license and sell their cotton as “Better Cotton.” More than two million farmers worldwide hold a license under this initiative.
The revised P&C covers management, natural resources, crop protection, fiber quality, decent work, smallholder livelihoods, gender equality, and climate change. The new revision will become effective for licensing beginning in the 2024/25 season.
The revised P&C embraces a farmer-centric approach and serves as a locally relevant standard that addresses environmental, social, and economic issues. The new principles will ensure the responsible use, conservation, and enhancement of natural resources and place a stronger emphasis on promoting well-being in farming communities.
