MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 14, 2026 – The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has announced that 2.34 million planted acres are providing field-level data for the 2026 crop year, accounting for nearly one-quarter of the 9.85 million acres of cotton planted across the United States this season.
The latest figures highlight the ongoing commitment of American cotton growers to responsible and sustainable production practices despite a challenging operating environment marked by volatile input costs, uncertain weather conditions, and evolving market pressures.
By voluntarily participating in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, growers are contributing valuable field-level data that supports greater transparency throughout the cotton supply chain. The program also enables farmers to access data-driven insights that help improve operational efficiency, strengthen environmental performance, and refine agricultural practices.
“The growers enrolled in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol are the foundation of a more transparent and responsible U.S. cotton supply chain,” said Marjory Walker, Co-Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “Their dedication, especially given the challenges facing the cotton industry this season, is what makes it possible for brands and retailers worldwide to source independently verified, traceable U.S. Cotton and demonstrate meaningful progress against their sustainability commitments.”
The program continues to play a significant role in connecting growers with global brands and retailers seeking verified sustainable cotton. Through its traceability platform, companies can track U.S. Cotton, Protocol Cotton, and U.S. Regen Cotton from farm to finished product, providing greater visibility across the supply chain.
A major development has been the expansion of the Trust Protocol’s Field Partner Program, which was introduced as a pilot initiative in 2025. The program was designed to formally recognize and verify regenerative agriculture practices at the field level, creating a scalable pathway for regenerative cotton to move through commercial supply chains.
Now progressing beyond the pilot stage, the initiative is helping deliver verified and traceable regenerative cotton at a scale that meets growing industry demand. The program also supports brands and retailers in achieving sourcing, sustainability, and reporting objectives while addressing increasing consumer and stakeholder expectations around responsible production.
“What is most encouraging about where the program is today is that through the Field Partner Program, we are not just recognizing responsible production through the field-level data provided by our growers, we are building a scalable, credible pathway for regenerative cotton,” Walker said. “The Field Partner Program brings the science-based verification and market connectivity that allow this work to be recognized, rewarded, and acted on by brands.”
The Trust Protocol’s global reach continues to expand, with more than 2,800 mills and manufacturing members across 56 countries. The initiative is also supported by over 55 global companies and brands, including Ralph Lauren, PVH Corp., Walmart, adidas, Under Armour, Levi’s, Carhartt, and Gymshark.
As sustainability and traceability become increasingly important across the textile and apparel sector, the Trust Protocol’s growing participation levels underscore the importance of verified data and regenerative farming practices in strengthening the long-term competitiveness of U.S. cotton in international markets.
