The first two months of 2025 have been rich in collaboration and knowledge sharing for the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA). Since the beginning of 2025, we have been actively engaging in key industry and public sector events, reinforcing OCA’s unique position as a collaborative force and convenor in the organic cotton sector. Through these engagements, we have continued to advocate for organic cotton farmers, foster partnerships, and drive meaningful change across the supply chain.
OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector
In February, our team attended the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector in Paris. This event came at a crucial time for responsible sourcing as discussions around EU regulations gained momentum. The forum gathered governments, businesses, unions, and civil society to explore how due diligence can create positive impacts for farmers, workers, and communities.
A key takeaway from the forum was the importance of centring sustainability efforts around the realities of farmers and producers. As Ioana Betieanu, OCA’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs noted:
“One thing was clear: real progress in sustainable supply chains starts with those at the foundation of the industry—farmers and producers. Yet, their voices were largely missing from the room. If we want sustainability efforts to be effective, they need to be rooted in the realities on the ground. Ensuring smallholders have a seat at the table at these international events isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for making due diligence work in practice.”
OCA will continue advocating for farmer representation in global dialogues, ensuring their perspectives shape policies.
Heimtextil 2025: driving sustainability in textiles
OCA was proud to participate at Heimtextil 2025, the world’s leading international trade fair for textiles and trends, in Frankfurt. The event was an opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore the latest innovations in sustainable textiles, and engage in insightful discussions on responsible sourcing and the future of organic cotton.
“One of the standout moments was the chance to engage with a diverse range of brands, suppliers, and industry experts. We immersed ourselves in the exhibition, sparking insightful conversations with key stakeholders about potential collaborations with OCA and further scaling organic cotton. We’re already looking forward to returning in 2026,” shared Chloe Menhinick, OCA’s Partnerships Director.
Bharat Tex: addressing the business case for organic cotton
At Bharat Tex, Asia’s largest textiles event, OCA participated in a panel discussion highlighting the critical role of financial literacy within the textile industry. The session underscored the importance of equipping stakeholders—particularly within the organic cotton supply chain—with the knowledge to make informed decisions that benefit both businesses and farmers.
“Our panel focused on the crucial aspect of financial literacy within the textile industry,” noted Sanchit Kukreja, Senior Supply Chain Manager, OCA. “It was an important platform for OCA to highlight how better financial understanding can empower stakeholders, especially in the organic cotton value chain, and drive more informed decisions that benefit both businesses and farmers alike.”
Organic agriculture under the spotlight in Madhya Pradesh
OCA was honoured to take part in the Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on Understanding Organic Cropping Systems and Value Chains in Madhya Pradesh, a two-day event dedicated to organic farming, organised by the Department of Agriculture of Madhya Pradesh, alongside key industry players, policymakers, and farmers. Discussions covered certification systems, improving the farmer business case through higher yields, and the landscape approach to organic farming systems, key areas that can drive sector-wide improvement.
“The meeting with the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh underscored the importance of government and industry collaboration in driving sustainable practices. The consultation helped OCA strengthen its relationships with policymakers and set the stage for more impactful initiatives that support both farmers and the textile sector,” said Shankhamala Sen, Programme Implementation Manager, OCA.
Discussing Safe Trading and Quality Matters in Textiles
In February, OCA was also present in a session organised by the International Cotton Association (ICA) of Pakistan and the Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) aimed at providing a foundational understanding of cotton quality parameters, safe trading practices, contracting, arbitration, and sustainability. We had the opportunity to introduce OCA to and engage with key industry stakeholders, including organisations working on cotton in Pakistan, textile partners, ginners, and spinners.
Climate-Resilient Better Cotton Production and Value Chain Event
Also in February, OCA played a part in the Climate-Resilient Better Cotton Production and Value Chain event in Türkiye, organised in collaboration with İyi Pamuk Uygulamaları Derneği (Good Cotton Practices Association) and Ekolojik Tarım Organizasyonu (Ecological Agriculture Organisation).
“We came together with industry experts in Istanbul to discuss sustainable cotton production and resilience strategies. The event provided valuable insights into best practices, reinforcing the need for collective action to address climate challenges,” said Ömür Suner, OCA’s Programme Manager for Türkiye.
OCA at the 21st International Istanbul Yarn Fair
OCA had the opportunity to engage with key industry stakeholders from India and Türkiye. The event was an excellent platform to connect with OCA Contributors and industry leaders, strengthening relationships and exploring future collaboration opportunities.
Let’s connect
The organic cotton movement is gaining momentum, and OCA is committed to being at the forefront of industry and policy conversations. Every panel, roundtable, and networking session we join expands our community and sets the stage for the next great idea. We are eager to share our insights and expertise in sustainable cotton sourcing, farmer livelihoods, and industry-wide collaboration.
If you believe OCA should be part of an upcoming event, bringing our expertise and voice to the table, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to comms@organiccottonaccelerator.org to explore opportunities to collaborate.
