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Fairtrade Cotton Facts



• Cotton uses approximately 25% of the world's insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, and defoliants.). -Allen Woodburn Associates Ltd./Managing Resources Ltd., "Cotton: The Crop and its Agrochemicals Market," 1995.
• Over 2.03 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers were applied to conventional cotton in 2000 (142 pounds/acre), making cotton the fourth most heavily fertilized crop behind corn, winter wheat, and soybeans. -U.S.Department of Agriculture, "Agricultural Chemical Usage: 2003 Field Crop Summary."

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What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In addition, federal regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered seed for organic farming. -Organic

Trade Association



​What is Fairtrade Cotton?​
 

Fairtrade cotton brings many social and environmental benefits to the farmers involved in its cultivation. Firstly, Fairtrade guarantees farmers a better price for their cotton. This means they are better equipped to support their families and invest in their farms. Housing can be improved, children can stay in school and farmers can chose to stay on their land instead of being forced to migrate to the cities.

On top of the Fairtrade price there is a social premium that is set aside to invest in social and environmental projects. However, if it was just about getting a better price then farmers might become enticed to increase crop yields at the cost of their health and the environment. Fairtrade farmers are committed to reducing chemical use and protecting the environment. One way in which this is achieved is through educating them on the use of natural alternatives to the conventional pesticides and fertilisers. - Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand.