US Cotton Trust Protocol launches regenerative cotton assessment
The US Cotton Trust Protocol today has launched a framework for its Field Partner Programme pilot that will formally recognise verified regenerative practices and measurable outcomes among growers to provide brands and retailers with regenerative cotton and greater sourcing options.
The pilot programme, currently under way for the 2025 crop year, is designed to enhance value and benefits for brand members while providing verification and traceability.
Daren Abney, executive director of the US Cotton Trust Protocol, said: “There is a clear and growing demand for materials that contribute to a regenerative agricultural system. This initiative creates a formal pathway for recognising regenerative practices at the field level, enhancing value for our growers and providing brands and retailers with the credible sourcing options they need to meet their sustainability targets.”
The 2025 pilot, designed with input from member brands and aggregators, will test and refine the programme’s framework ahead of a broader implementation planned for 2026.
The pilot’s objectives include assessing market demand for regenerative cotton, testing the traceability of regenerative bales in the supply chain and validating its credibility. It is also aligned with Field to Market’s regenerative agriculture guidance.
