The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol (Trust Protocol), a leading program for responsibly grown cotton, reached new heights in 2023-2024, with record grower participation and significant strides in environmental stewardship. Despite a challenging economic climate for growers, its latest annual report shows that planted acreage enrolled in the Trust Protocol surged to 2.1 million acres, a 31% increase from the previous year. At the same time, Trust Protocol growers continued to outperform national averages, achieving a 14% improvement in yield and notable progress in six key environmental impact areas compared to a 2015 baseline.
According to the report, growers reduced their water use (by 14%), energy use (by 27%), and greenhouse gas emissions (by 21%), and improved land use efficiency by 15% compared to 2015. They also improved soil health management, achieving a 79% reduction in soil loss. In addition, 74% of growers reported a positive Soil Conditioning Index, indicating improvements in soil organic matter.
Last year also saw the expansion of the Climate Smart Cotton Program, which aims to help growers adopt climate-smart practices. Currently, there are 1,427 farming entities enrolled, with 16,500 acres (approximately 6,640 hectares) adopting new climate-smart agriculture practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15,000 metric tons. Reflecting on the Trust Protocol’s accomplishments, Daren Abney, Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, said, “As we look to the future, we’re energized by the growing commitment to sustainability within the cotton supply chain. The Trust Protocol is proud to contribute to this progress, and we’re dedicated to constantly innovating and adapting to ensure a more resilient and responsible future for U.S. Cotton, from farm to finished product.”