The US Cotton Trust Protocol has launched a trial for its Field Partner Program for regenerative cotton, aimed at providing brands and retailers with access to regenerative cotton and enhancing their sourcing options.
The program is designed to formally recognize and validate regenerative farming practices among cotton growers, striving for tangible outcomes.
As part of the ongoing pilot, which focuses on the 2025 crop year, the initiative seeks to increase value for brand members while developing a robust framework for verification and traceability.
This dual-framework approach seeks to align regenerative practices with measurable results to maximize impact.
Additionally, the pilot will assess market interest in a scalable system that effectively integrates regenerative US cotton into supply chains.
Daren Abney, executive director of the US Cotton Trust Protocol, stated: “The Trust Protocol is built on a foundation of continuous improvement and a science-based approach, supported by a verification process that assures our members. This program is a direct extension of that commitment.”
He added, “There is a clear and growing demand for materials that contribute to a regenerative agricultural system. This initiative creates a formal pathway for recognizing regenerative practices at the field level, enhancing value for our growers and providing brands and retailers with the credible sourcing options they need to meet their sustainability targets.”
The pilot’s goals for 2025 include evaluating the market demand for regenerative cotton, testing the traceability of regenerative bales, and validating the program’s credibility through a multi-tiered assurance system.
This initiative is in line with Field to Market’s guidelines on regenerative agriculture.
Participating growers will undergo a pre-assessment based on field-level data to ensure they meet verification eligibility.
The verification process will combine standard Trust Protocol assessments with both site visits and advanced satellite imagery analysis.
The Trust Protocol has established minimum participation criteria for the Field Partner Program for regenerative cotton, reflecting regenerative agriculture standards from recognized organizations.
These criteria encompass various aspects, including soil health, water usage, synthetic inputs, water quality, and biodiversity.
The development of the pilot program involved collaboration with member brands and aggregators and is expected to expand in 2026 after further refinement.
By creating this extensive regenerative framework, the US Cotton Trust Protocol is committed to ensuring both integrity in the process and measurable environmental outcomes in the textile sector.
