End of March Deadline for Interested Arizona Cotton Growers to Enroll in Trust Protocol
Author
Published
2/28/2023
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol reminds all cotton growers to enroll and complete data entry for their 2022 crop by March 31, 2023.
Launched in 2020, the Trust Protocol was designed to set a new standard in more sustainably grown cotton. Producers enrolled in the Trust Protocol are eligible to participate in the Climate Smart Cotton Program, which will provide technical and financial assistance to 1,650 U.S. cotton farmers with acres available for Climate Smart practice changes. Growers also receive personalized data that can be used to help improve their sustainability efforts and yield, as well as gain closer communication with their end customer.
“Sustainably grown cotton that is backed by verified data and measurable outcomes is highly sought after by brands and retailers,” said Ted Schneider, a Trust Protocol grower from Louisiana. “While grower participation in the program has doubled since the program’s pilot year, we need more cotton growers to enroll and complete their data entry before the deadline so we can meet the increased demand for sustainably grown U.S. cotton.”
Arizona cotton growers like Adam Hatley of Maricopa County is enrolled in the program and speaks to the value it brings to his overall business. "My family has been farming since 1976, so we've seen a lot of changes over the years,” said Adam Hatley, Trust Protocol grower and owner of Associated Farming Company. “By keeping up with industry innovations, we've been able to make changes that have not only improved our agriculture practices and our profitability but have also reduced our greenhouse gas emissions and our carbon footprint."
The Trust Protocol has welcomed more than 1,100 brand, retailer, mill and manufacturer members, including Levi Strauss & Co., Old Navy, Gap, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., and J.Crew.
With increased scrutiny on sustainability, the program provides access to more sustainably grown cotton for brands and retailers, and science based, data-led assurances that consumers can have confidence in — something that has been lacking in the industry to date.
Data entered is secure and remains confidential, used only in aggregate form. Crop consultants can also be authorized to enter information on the grower’s behalf. Additionally, the John Deere?Operations Center can pre-populate up to 40% of the data needed to complete the?Fieldprint analysis for those who utilize the platform.
Growers should enroll and complete their data entry at TrustUSCotton.org by March 31st.
Enrollment for the 2023 crop will open the second week of April. For help enrolling, contact info@trustuscotton.org.
ABOUT THE U.S. COTTON TRUST PROTOCOL
Launched in 2020, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol was designed to set a new standard in more sustainably grown cotton, ensuring that it contributes to the protection and preservation of the planet, using the most sustainable and responsible techniques. It is the only farm-level, science-based program that provides quantifiable, verifiable goals and measurement in six key sustainability metrics as well as article-level supply chain transparency.
The Trust Protocol is overseen by a multi-stakeholder Board of Directors comprised of representatives from brands and retailers, civil society and independent sustainability experts as well as the cotton-growing industry, including growers, ginners, merchants, wholesalers and cooperatives, mills and cottonseed handlers.