OCA for implementation partners

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Organic cotton relieves water pressure in a number of ways: Its production tends to require significantly less water, it is far less polluting and it leads to a number of other social, economic, agronomic, and environmental benefits. 

Organic standards do not stipulate irrigation methods, however, 80% of land producing organic cotton is located in areas that are predominantly rainfed, not irrigated*. Rainfed production is much less water-intensive than irrigated systems and does not have a major impact on the availability of water.

* Source: Shepherd, H., 2019

Cotton provides versatility, comfort, and durability unmatched by other fibres. Organic cotton in particular serves as a living example of how positive environmental change and productivity can coexist in an industry that helps drive economic development around the world. 

As a global commodity, cotton plays a major role in the economic and social development of emerging economies and newly industrialised countries. Although there are challenges to be addressed in producing cotton within planetary boundaries, mankind depends on it as an essential crop for supporting livelihoods and providing fit for purpose, recyclable, renewable, and natural material for many purposes

Organic farmers use holistic soil-management strategies that increase soil organic matter and boost the diversity of soil microorganisms, which is fundamental in supporting soil health. In return, healthy soil acts like a sponge, soaking up water during floods and holding it for longer during droughts*.

* Source: Textile Exchange 2017a

Organic agriculture is a holistic production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.

The IFOAM standards define organic production as a system that conserves and contributes positively to biodiversity*. Conventional production systems, on the other hand, are known to contribute to biodiversity loss through soil degradation, excessive water use, habitat loss, and chemical pollution.

* Source: IFOAM, 2020

Organic farming has great potential to mitigate global warming, through carbon sequestration and lower input of fossil fuel-dependent resources. Significant greenhouse gas emissions are avoided in organic farming by replacing nitrogen fertiliser, which contributes significantly to GHG emissions, with organic alternatives.

Further global warming potential is mitigated by the high carbon sequestration capacity of soil rich in organic matter and through a number of practises promoted in organic systems including improved tilling, green mulching, and choice of cover crops.