Better Cotton Initiative opens producer enrollment in the US

Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, has announced the opening of producer enrollment in the United States, until May 15, for the 2026-2027 season.

US producers of cotton interested in working with BCI can complete a brief Producer & Program Partner Interest Survey online. What sets the BCI apart from other cotton initiatives is that BCI’s farm-level standard is grounded in regenerative environmental and social principles, including farm and labor management, soil health, biodiversity, water stewardship, and crop protection. 

The organization is primarily funded through supply chain membership fees and additional program investments based on BCI cotton volumes purchased, while most BCI-certified producers pay no certification fees. Partnering with BCI helps cotton producers expand their market access through a global network of more than 300 retailers and brands sourcing BCI cotton, along with access to resources and industry recognition.

BCI certification also allows producers to market their fiber globally as BCI Cotton. By adopting BCI-aligned practices, many of which are already in place on farms, producers can achieve cost savings, improve farm resilience, and contribute to positive environmental outcomes.

With over 2,600 members across the cotton supply chain and more than 11,000 users of its Better Cotton Platform (BCP) as of 2025, Better Cotton Initiative operates in 15 countries and covers one-fifth of global cotton production.