Organic cotton is generally defined as cotton that is grown organically from non-genetically modified plants, and without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides.
Organic cotton has many advantages over conventionally grown cotton:
Farmers are not controlled by Genetically Modified Corporations
Farmers who buy GMO seeds must pay licensing fees and sign contracts that dictate how they can grow the crop. The small-scale farmers who produce the majority of our cotton face high risks such as an increased use of pesticides (GMO Corporation promised a reduced use of pesticides but actually the use of chemicals stayed the same or increased) and bigger costs (the seed which farmers have to buy from seed companies every year are much more expensive than conventional hybrid seed; farmer also have to spend much more on pesticides and other farm inputs).
Organic cotton puts choices in the farmer’s hands.
No hazardous and dangerous pesticides used
GMO agriculture has led to superweeds and superpests that are extraordinarily difficult for farmers to manage.
As organic cotton farmers around the world demonstrate every day, cotton can be grown without pesticides. By eliminating all hazardous synthetic pesticides in its production organic cotton offers a healthy and sustainable farming future for farmers and their families. Organic takes the toxic impact out of producing cotton.
It enables farmers to grow other crops for food and income
Organic farmers grow a diversity of crops to maintain healthy and fertile soils and fight off pests. By diversifying crops, farmers can also diversify their income. Growing food or other crops helps insure organic farmers against crop failure, climate variability, price volatility and changes in market demand.
Saves water
Organic cotton uses less water, preserving a scarce and precious resource for the future
Organic farming practices create healthy soils which make better use of water inputs and are more resilient in drought conditions. By eliminating the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, organic cotton keeps waterways and drinking water safe and clean. The water pollution impact of organic has been shown to be 98% less than non-organic cotton production.
Combats climate change
Organic cotton farming uses less energy and healthy organic soils store more carbon.
Organic cotton farmers are doing their bit to combat climate change. By eliminating the use of manufactured fertilisers and pesticides and reducing nitrogen inputs, organic cotton growing produces up to 94% less greenhouse gas emissions. By maintaining their health, organic practices turn soils into a carbon ‘sink’, removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
