Better Cotton, the world's largest cotton sustainability initiative, is set to launch a strategic partnership in Spain with a high-profile event in Seville. This initiative will bring together key stakeholders, including the Inter professional Cotton Association (Espalgodon) and the Regional Government of Andalucia, who have played a pivotal role in aligning the regional government's Integrated Production System (IPS) with the Better Cotton Standard System (BCSS). These efforts aim to enhance the sustainability of cotton production in Spain.
Espalgodon, representing all cotton farmers in Spain, expressed interest in collaborating on sustainable cotton production in 2021. Subsequently, Better Cotton worked closely with the Regional Government of Andalucia, Spain's primary cotton-growing region, to recognize IPS as equivalent to BCSS. This recognition will enable cotton from IPS-licensed farms to be labeled as 'Better Cotton,' offering assurances of sustainability to consumers.
The strategic partnership seeks to address challenges posed by climate change, with a projected 48% decrease in cotton production for the 2023/24 season due to drought-related crop issues. Through collaboration, Better Cotton aims to leverage local expertise and networks while ensuring compliance with global sustainability standards.
Alan McClay, CEO of Better Cotton, highlighted the significance of this partnership in enhancing the resilience of Spanish cotton farming against climate change impacts. The agreement signing marks the start of this promising collaboration.
