Organic cotton: production practices and post-harvest considerations

Abstract: Cotton is the most important natural textile fiber produced in the world and at least 5000 ha are grown in about 60 countries. Cotton is produced using a wide range of farming practices and cotton production is highly technical and very difficult. All methods of producing cotton have impacts that are not necessarily environmentally friendly but are necessary to produce the crop. The goal of cotton production should be to produce the best quality product for textile mills with the lowest environmental impact, in an economically viable manner. There continues to be worldwide interest in organic cotton because of environmental and economic reasons. In 2007/2008 production of organic cotton increased to over 0.5% of world cotton production, mainly owing to increased production in India, Turkey, Syria, China and some African countries. However, growing cotton using organic production practices is not suitable for all countries and all farmers. Organic production is not necessarily any more or any less environmentally friendly than current conventional cotton production. For the textile consumer, there is no difference between conventionally grown cotton and organically grown cotton with regard to pesticide residues. Growing organic cotton is more demanding and more expensive than growing cotton conventionally. Organic production can be a real challenge if pest pressures are high but with commitment and experience, it could provide price premiums for growers willing to meet the challenges. Conventional and organic cotton production can co-exist. Profitability will drive decisions on farms and throughout the supply chain as to what cottons are produced and used.