OCA reaches 100,000 farmers but ‘in conversion’ needs more support
The multi-stakeholder Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) supported more than 100,000 farmers during the 2024-2025 cotton season, an increase from the 82,264 during 2023-24.
OCA’s Farm Programme expanded to include 18 brands, 14 implementing partners and 11 seed partners. By the season’s end, participating brands had procured 92% of the available organic cotton produced at a higher price.
However, only 58% of in-conversion cotton was purchased against premium prices, highlighting the need for greater industry support. In-conversion farmers are key to building a reliable organic supply chain, and their efforts require stronger backing, the OCA said.
Ruud Schute, OCA’s programme director, said: ″Data is not just about measurement, it’s about empowering farmers, informing industry action and driving continuous improvement. As we refine our methodologies and collaborate with key stakeholders, we aim to ensure that organic cotton farming is recognised not only for its environmental benefits but also for its positive impact on farmer livelihoods.″
During the season, OCA introduced additional metrics to assess total farm income, including rotational, border, cover and intercrops. Crop diversification is known to improve soil fertility, reduce nutrient depletion and erosion, minimising the need for costly soil regeneration treatments. Its data shows that during the 2023-2024 season OCA farmers earned an average total profit of €2,110 per hectare from organic cotton, 8.2% higher than conventional farmers.
“By calculating the profits from crop diversification, we confirmed that it is a cost-effective approach that strengthens both economic resilience and sustainability,” said Schute. “Building on these insights, we have increased training efforts in the new season to support farmers in implementing crop diversification practices.”
In June 2024, OCA launched its programme in Turkey, the world’s second-largest organic cotton producer. Focusing initially on the cotton-rich regions of South-Eastern Anatolia and the Aegean Region, OCA adapted its methodologies to local farming practices and economic contexts. In this first year, OCA focused on five projects involving 78 farmers, supported by upfront procurement agreements and premium payments.
“Farmers are the backbone of the cotton supply chain and the true stewards of the land,” Schute added. “Their commitment to sustainable practices is driving real environmental and social change, but they cannot do it alone. We have the data demonstrating our collective impact. We encourage the industry to step up and invest more in the people at the heart of the supply chain. True sustainability starts at the farm, and meaningful action must follow.”
OCA supporters and contributors include Textile Exchange, Adidas, Patagonia, H&M Group and Inditex.
