US organic cotton acreage highest in 20 years
US organic cotton growers are estimated to have planted the most acreage of organic cotton in 2014 since 1995, according to the Organic Trade Association (OTA).
Respondents to OTA's survey reported a 14% increase in organic cotton acres planted in 2014 – from 15,973 in 2013 to 18,234 – despite grappling with tight seed supplies, persistent weeds and a shortage of seasonal labour.
Organic cotton acreage has been on a slow but steady growth trend in the US for the past several years. In 2013, acres planted to organic cotton rose 6% to 14,787. While acres harvested in 2013 decreased to 9,262 from 9,842 the previous year, production increased by almost 20% to 10,335 bales.
"It's not easy to grow organic cotton," said Laura Batcha, CEO of OTA. "These latest numbers show the genuine commitment of organic growers to produce cotton in the most environmentally friendly way, and to respond to an increasing desire by consumers for organic fiber. Today's consumers want to incorporate organic not just in the food we eat, but in the clothes we wear, the sheets on our bed, and the mattresses on which we sleep."
The OTA report is based on a survey conductedof organic cotton growers in Arizona, California, New Mexico, North Carolina and Texas. West Texas is the leading organic cotton region in the country.
