Just over a year ago, we officially expanded our programme to Türkiye, a country with a proud history of cotton production, a vibrant textile industry, and an increasing interest in organic farming. Since then, OCA has been steadily working with local partners to strengthen the organic cotton value chain, support farmers in adopting and maintaining organic practices, and ensure that the benefits of organic cotton reach farmers and brands alike.
Türkiye is not only one of the world’s largest cotton producers but also a key hub for textile and apparel manufacturing, supplying some of the most recognised global brands. As demand for sustainable fibers grows in Europe and worldwide, Türkiye’s role in the organic cotton market is becoming ever more important. OCA’s presence here therefore comes at a crucial moment, linking what happens on the farms with what the market needs.
Laying strong foundations for market impact
During this first year, OCA has built new partnerships with Implementing Partners, listened closely to farmers, and brought proven approaches from other regions where OCA is active, adapting them to Türkiye’s local conditions. The aim has been clear: create a space where people learn from each other, tackle challenges together, and find practical solutions.
The results are visible. OCA has grown from five to seven projects, supporting close to 100 medium-scale farmers—up from 78 in the last season. More brands are now sourcing from these farmers, signalling the trust they place in the country’s farmers and in the OCA system. This engagement demonstrates that when field-level capacity building and market demand come together, the entire value chain benefits.
Learning together in the field
This July, OCA hosted its first agronomic workshop in Türkiye. The two-day event brought together Implementing Partners and local representatives, creating a space for open dialogue and practical learning.
Far from being a standard seminar, the workshop was highly interactive. Participants actively contributed their insights, discussed current field challenges, and exchanged best practices from their own farming and support experiences. This dynamic environment encouraged both learning and collaboration, strengthening the network of people working together to advance organic cotton in Türkiye.
At this stage of the growing season, OCA farmers in Türkiye are facing significant agronomic challenges, particularly in the areas of plant protection and pest management. Recognising the urgency of these topics, OCA’s Trainers of Trainers led targeted sessions that combined technical expertise with practical, field-based solutions.
There is already strong anticipation for further learning opportunities. OCA farmers in Türkiye expressed eagerness to continue deepening their knowledge and applying new techniques in the field. The enthusiasm underscores a wider point: there is a growing community in Türkiye committed to advancing organic cotton, and OCA’s role as a facilitator and capacity-builder is proving both timely and impactful.
Looking ahead
As OCA enters another year in Türkiye, the focus remains on empowering stakeholders, strengthening local partnerships, and providing the resources and knowledge needed for long-term success, including tailored impact data for participating brands. A key upcoming milestone will be the launch of the first modules of the Organic Cotton Training Curriculum, fully adapted for Türkiye and translated into Turkish. This tailored resource will give farmers and field staff access to practical, locally relevant knowledge in their own language, supporting both the adoption of best practices and the continued professional development of organic cotton practitioners.
