OCA plots next steps to boost organic cotton take-up
12/03/2026
It will broaden its impact focus beyond farmer income to include climate and nature outcomes such as soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity and water stewardship, alongside social priorities including better working conditions and women’s empowerment. Data systems will support the measurement of these areas.
The OCA Farm Fund, currently in pilot phase, is designed to make participation in the OCA Farm Programme easier for brands and retailers by providing cost visibility and reducing administrative complexity. By pooling contributions for farmer premiums and technical support and decoupling these from cotton prices, the Farm Fund also creates more predictable support for farmers and producer organisations, it said.
Thirdly, alongside expanding its work in India, Pakistan and Turkey, OCA will collaborate with organic initiatives to support to farmers in Africa and Latin America. These partnerships will help strengthen global organic cotton supply while improving coordination, traceability and long-term market access for farming communities.
Bart Vollaard, executive director of OCA, said: “The industry is at a turning point. Sustainability expectations are changing fast, and brands now face rising demands on traceability, climate action and human rights, while managing real sourcing risks. Farmers, meanwhile, face growing climate and market volatility and need stable markets and fairer returns to stay resilient. By scaling proven solutions with our partners, we can deliver meaningful impact for farmers and strengthen the long-term resilience of the global textile sector.”
The organisation works with more than 100,000 farmers, supporting them through training, access to inputs and sourcing commitments.
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