The programme will help farmers generate long-term value for their operations including increased profitability and address issues such as climate change, water quality and pollinator habitat.

The goal is to eliminate one million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from the atmosphere by 2026.

Roseann Lynch, Ralph Lauren Corporation’s chief people officer, said: “The USRCF is an ambitious effort crafted in partnership with the experts at the Soil Health Institute that puts growers at the centre of creating a sustainable future for US cotton production.”

Only 8% of cotton cropland is managed using cover cropping and 21% is managed using no tillage, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Dr Cristine Morgan, chief scientific officer for the Soil Health Institute and leader of the USRCF, said: “To achieve widespread environmental benefits from regenerative agriculture means we must understand farmers’ needs and experiences when adopting these practices. 

"Adoption is hindered by a lack of information on the business case, locally relevant soil health education programs, and until now, knowledge of how healthy a given soil can become and what that means for improving drought resilience, yield stability, economics and other benefits for farmers.”

Cotton makes up more than 80% of Ralph Lauren Corporation’s total material use. As part of its Global Citizenship & Sustainability goals, the group has committed that by 2025, 100% of key materials, including cotton, will be sustainably sourced. 

The USRCF will initially operate in  Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi and Georgia and will look to expand into Alabama, North Carolina, Missouri, California and Oklahoma, as these nine states represent 85% of US cotton production. 

Participating partners of the fund include Cotton Incorporated, National Cotton Council and Field to Market.

 

Image credit: Polo by Ralph Lauren