A pivotal global platform for change, the Better Cotton Conference 2024attracted over 400 participants from around the world, both in person and virtually.
Held from June 26-27, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkiye, the conference highlighted the need for collective action in the cotton industry, says Alan McClay, CEO, Better Cotton. Comprising 18 sessions including plenary talks, interactive workshops, and breakouts, the conference's first day offered a wealth of knowledge to enhance the impact on cotton farming communities.
The theme ‘Putting People First’ highlighted Better Cotton’s dedication to prioritising farmers and farm workers. Sessions challenged participants to consider ensuring a living income and decent work for cotton farming communities. AartiKapoor, Founder and Executive Director, Embode, delivered a powerful keynote on driving positive impact across supply chains through a collective vision for the cotton value chain.
Lars Van Doremalen, Impact Director, Better Cotton, discussed the importance of farmer income, sharing insights from a study in India. LeylaShamchiyeva, Senior Decent Work Manager, Better Cotton, emphasisedon addressing the root causes of issues like poverty and lack of rights awareness by connecting communities to social safety nets.
The afternoon sessions focused on ‘Driving Change at Field Level,’ covering topics from regenerative agriculture to the role of fertiliSers in a warming climate. A panel discussion featuring Laila Petrie of 2050 and Gray Maguire of Anthesis, moderatedby Lewis Perkins of the Apparel Impact Institute, delved into carbon markets and their impact on farmers, using the 'Unlock' Project as a case study.
Field-level representatives from India, Tajikistan, and the US shared their experiences with regenerative agricultural practices, offering diverse perspectives on field-level progress on farms of all sizes.The second day began with a focus on ‘Understanding Policy and Industry Trends,’ examining major developments in the sector and their impact on cotton supply chains. VidhuraRalapanawe, Executive Vice President -Innovation and Sustainability, Epic Group, delivered a keynote urging transformative change in the cotton industry, moving beyond legislative demands to collective action.
The conference concluded with a session on Pakistan’s First Mile Traceability pilot, moderated by HinaFouzia, Director, Better Cotton Pakistan. Participants discussed challenges of internet and technology access, Better Cotton’s support in adoption, and the need for constant result reviews to drive improvements.
