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Posted: August 7, 2025
Better Cotton’s first US Impact Report shows the program’s significant influence on sustainable cotton farming. Licensed growers now produce over 11.5% of national cotton, adopting practices that improve soil health, biodiversity, and water efficiency while reducing pesticide use. Collaboration and regenerative farming are at the heart of these achievements.
Better Cotton has released its first US Impact Report, highlighting a decade of progress in sustainable cotton farming from 2014 to 2024. The report reveals that a network of 316 licensed growers now produces 1,499,655 bales of cotton, representing more than 11.5% of total US cotton volumes, showcasing a remarkable 1500% growth. According to Ashley Barrington, senior country manager for Better Cotton US, the report underscores the dedication of farmers on the frontlines and the power of collaboration in driving continuous improvements at the farm level.
The report highlights substantial environmental improvements across the US Cotton Belt, stretching from Virginia to California. Licensed growers have increased their use of organic fertilizers from 6% in 2014/15 to 17% in 2023/24, while the use of highly hazardous pesticides has dropped by 26% per acre since the 2020/21 season. Additionally, over 80% of reporting US growers have adopted regenerative practices focused on soil health, biodiversity, and water quality, signaling a meaningful shift toward sustainable production methods.
Better Cotton’s achievements are supported by key partnerships with organizations such as the Soil Health Institute, Textile Exchange, the US Cotton Trust Protocol, and Cotton Incorporated, all of which promote sustainability in the US cotton sector. These collaborative efforts reinforce the program’s influence, ensuring that US Better Cotton production continues to expand while improving environmental outcomes and advancing sustainable practices across the industry.
