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Why have Australian cotton growers met with the world's leading brands?

Cotton Australia has met with some of the world's leading brands in Turkey to talk social responsibility and sustainable production.

Nike, H&M Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, IKEA and Levi Strauss were among some of the companies represented at the event held at the Australian Consulate in Istanbul Turkey.

It has been reported that throughout the companies in attendance, the level of consumption across the board is around five times the volume that the average Australian cotton crop produces each year.

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay believes it's time for big brands to commit to more sustainable methods of production.

The event at the Australian Consulate in Turkey gave our growers a global platform to share their stories of ethical, responsible and sustainable production back here in Australia.

“It is hugely powerful for these major brands to learn about our industry directly from the Australian cotton growers who produce some of the world’s highest yielding and highest quality cotton.

“These connections between growers and end-users are part of Cotton Australia’s Cotton to Market strategy, aimed at positioning Australian cotton in the world fibre market.

“The Australian cotton industry is now part of a global network working towards improving cotton’s reputation globally.”

Australian delegates at the event included Cotton Australia Deputy Chair and grower Simon Corish, Cotton Australia Board member Hamish Macintyre, Cotton Australia Cotton to Market Project lead Brooke Summers and Auscott marketing manager Arthur Spellson.

Corish believes the event was a huge success for putting Australia's cotton industry on the map, as well as pushing for global brands to sign onto the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI).

“There is a market there right now for BCI cotton, so it’s a great time to get on board.

“BCI is focussed on making BCI cotton a mainstream commodity – representing 30 per cent of world production by 2020. This year we’ll see almost 11 per cent of the world’s cotton sold as BCI, and the organisation is on track to achieving this goal.”

BCI is a global sustainability program that aims to improve conditions from farm level right through to supply chain.

In the 2014/15 season, Cotton Australia reported that its growers were able to negotiate $3-$8 per bale sold as BCI cotton.

Cotton Australia recently secured a seat on the global BCI Council.

 

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