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Did you know?
U.S. cotton farmers have been using innovative techniques to assure sustainability on their farms for decades. Did you know that since 1985, U.S. cotton production has:
While that’s impressive, we know there’s still work to be done.
Providing Transparency and Traceability
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol provides transparency and traceability in the cotton supply chain, so you can feel good about the cotton products you love and the people who grow it. These are real people, facing real challenges like drought, hurricanes, and economic pressures to grow this natural fiber. More than farmers, they are stewards of the land, committed to continuous improvement in environmental and social practices.
When you see the Trust Protocol verification stamp, you can feel confident knowing that the cotton comes from a program with social and environmental integrity.
Data-powered
The Trust Protocol is grounded in science-based measurements that track six key metrics — land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. This data is shared directly with our farmers who can use this information to make adjustments in the field in order to improve their environmental footprint.
Data-powered
Land use
Land is a finite resource. Farmers have to protect it for future generations, while maintaining productivity.
Data-powered
Soil carbon
A key indicator of soil health, supporting water infiltration, crop productivity, and nutrient holding.
Data-powered
Water management
Optimizing every last drop, growers track and map water needs throughout the fields.
Data-powered
Soil loss
It takes 500 years to create 1 inch of topsoil. If not properly cared for, soil can be washed away by rain or blown away by wind.
Data-powered
Greenhouse gas emissions
Sustainable growing practices decrease emissions and fertilizer use while increasing biodiversity.
Data-powered
Energy efficiency
Energy use is monitored throughout the crop production cycle to continuously improve.
21st century technology & innovation
How cotton is grown matters
How cotton is grown matters
Sustainability is a journey, and our growers are constantly looking at where they can make improvements. It’s at the heart of what they do. U.S. Cotton is known worldwide for its exceptional quality and consistent performance, and that starts with our growers. In addition to using data to measure our six key sustainability metrics, they also utilize technology such as drones, GPS auto-steer tractor systems, and sensor-driven precision agriculture.
“The Trust Protocol allows everyone to see where and how their cotton is made. With third party verification, we’re able to be transparent about the growing process.”
Aaron Barcellos, Trust Protocol farmer, California
Even still, growers face unpredictable challenges, from weather events to
economic realities. Yet, they are dedicated to sustainable growing methods like
minimal tillage and winter cover crops, working hard to bring you this natural
fiber for the products you love. Their resilience and commitment to data-driven
decision-making help ensure they are constantly improving their environmental
footprint and adapting to the challenges they face throughout the year.
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Where cotton has been matters
While our farmers are using environmental technologies directly in the field to improve their sustainability practices, we’ve created a system that uses technology to create the world’s first traceable cotton fiber.
Where cotton has been matters
While our farmers are using environmental technologies directly in the field to improve their sustainability practices, we’ve created a system that uses technology to create the world’s first traceable cotton fiber.
Where cotton has been matters
While our farmers are using environmental technologies directly in the field to improve their sustainability practices, we’ve created a system that used technology to create the world’s first traceable cotton fiber.
Where cotton has been matters
While our farmers are using environmental technologies directly in the field to improve their sustainability practices, we’ve created a system that used technology to create the world’s first traceable cotton fiber.
Where cotton has been matters
While our farmers are using environmental technologies directly in the field to improve their sustainability practices, we’ve created a system that used technology to create the world’s first traceable cotton fiber.
Where cotton has been matters
The Trust Protocol’s solution allows brands and retailers to track two fibers:
- Choosing U.S. Cotton means you know it was grown exclusively in the United States.
- Protocol Cotton is from growers who are members of the Trust Protocol and provides verified, field-level data on responsible growing practices.
We use technology to record and verify every movement in the supply chain, providing brands and retailers with the visibility they need to help build your trust.
“We take a real interest in our employees, in their health, in their environment because they’re like family. Our farm exceeds minimum wage requirements, pay time and a half, and provide retirement plans.”
John Lindamood,
Trust Protocol farmer, Tennessee
Why principles matter
Our standards are high because we know yours are too. The Trust Protocol
believes employees should always be treated fairly and paid fairly. That’s why
farms must meet our specific criteria regarding the safety and well-being of
their workers before they can join.
“We’re farmers. We not only farm the land, but we work with the habitat and the ecosystem to keep us all sustainable. If we don’t look after the land, then it won’t look after us.”
Nick McMichen, Trust Protocol farmer, Georgia and Alabama
Why the origin matters
Harvested annually, cotton starts as a seed and is grown by mother nature (with a little help from our farmers). As a natural, 100% biodegradable fiber, our farmers also focus on regenerative agriculture practices that build and nourish our ecosystem.
From dirt to shirt… and back again.
Unlike synthetic fibers, cotton is a plant. This means it safely degrades back to where it originated from—the ground.
Partners
The Trust Protocol believes in working together to make cotton farming more sustainable.
We partner with farmers, gins, merchandisers, mills, manufacturers, brands, retailers, and other organizations who share our commitment.
By working together, we can create a more responsible cotton supply chain that benefits everyone.
Learn more at trustuscotton.org.
Partners
The Trust Protocol believes in working together to make cotton farming more sustainable.
We partner with farmers, gins, merchandisers, mills, manufacturers, brands, retailers, and other organizations who share our commitment.
By working together, we can create a more responsible cotton supply chain that benefits everyone.
Learn more at trustuscotton.org.
Partners
The Trust Protocol believes in working together to make cotton farming more sustainable.
We partner with farmers, gins, merchandisers, mills, manufacturers, brands, retailers, and other organizations who share our commitment.
By working together, we can create a more responsible cotton supply chain that benefits everyone.
Learn more at trustuscotton.org.
Partners
The Trust Protocol believes in working together to make cotton farming more sustainable.
We partner with farmers, gins, merchandisers, mills, manufacturers, brands, retailers, and other organizations who share our commitment.
By working together, we can create a more responsible cotton supply chain that benefits everyone.
Learn more at trustuscotton.org.
Partners
The Trust Protocol believes in working together to make cotton farming more sustainable.
We partner with farmers, gins, merchandisers, mills, manufacturers, brands, retailers, and other organizations who share our commitment.
By working together, we can create a more responsible cotton supply chain that benefits everyone.
Learn more at trustuscotton.org.