As part of September’s #BehindTheSeams campaign, GOTS and OCA are emphasizing the importance of increasing organic fiber supply by assisting farmers in transitioning from conventional to organic farming. This process includes a three-year “in-conversion” period where farmers face challenges like unstable yields and market uncertainties, making support from brands and stakeholders vital.
OCA has been actively helping over 35,000 farmers in India and Pakistan during the 2023-2024 cotton season by providing capacity-building, premium payments, and market linkages, as part of a larger program benefiting over 80,000 farmers. This initiative is supported by 16 brands participating in OCA’s Farm Programme, which offers farmers essential tools and market commitments, leading to higher earnings and a reliable supply of organic fibers.
By committing to purchase in-conversion cotton, brands can help provide the necessary support for farmers, ensuring certified crops with significant environmental and economic benefits. The #BehindTheSeams campaign invites businesses in the textile industry to join OCA’s efforts for a sustainable organic fiber supply.
On September 18, GOTS and AI firm Marple announced that their Satellite Cotton Monitoring Project in India achieved a 97% accuracy rate in detecting cotton fields and over 80% accuracy in verifying organic status.
