In a significant step toward sustainable agriculture, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has introduced a pilot for its Field Partner Program, aimed at recognizing and verifying regenerative practices among cotton growers, long applied regenerative practices but now able to show through this program. This initiative, launched on September 4, 2025, from Memphis, Tennessee, seeks to provide brands and retailers with traceable, regenerative U.S. cotton options, starting with the 2025 crop year.

The program builds on the Trust Protocol's foundation of continuous improvement and science-based verification. It establishes a dual framework that combines specific farming practices with measurable outcomes to maximize environmental impact. By doing so, it enhances value for brand members while offering growers a structured path to showcase their regenerative efforts. The pilot will also evaluate market demand for a scalable system that ensures regenerative cotton can be efficiently traced through the supply chain.

Daren Abney, Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, emphasized the program's role in meeting growing consumer and industry needs. "The Trust Protocol is built on a foundation of continuous improvement and providing a science-based approach, supported by a verification process to meet assurances for our members. This program is a direct extension of that commitment," Abney said. "There is a clear and growing demand for materials that contribute to a regenerative agricultural system. This initiative creates a formal pathway for recognizing regenerative practices at the field level, enhancing value for our growers and providing brands and retailers with the credible sourcing options they need to meet their sustainability targets."

Developed with input from member brands and aggregators, the 2025 pilot is a testing ground for refining the framework before a potential wider rollout in 2026. Key objectives include gauging interest in regenerative cotton, ensuring traceability of bales from farm to market, and upholding credibility through a multi-level assurance process. The program aligns with guidance from Field to Market, a leading organization in sustainable agriculture.

Leveraging the Trust Protocol's existing infrastructure, growers are pre-assessed based on field-level data. Verification integrates seamlessly with standard protocols, incorporating on-site visits and satellite imagery to confirm practices. This approach marks the first comprehensive regenerative framework in U.S. cotton that prioritizes both process and impact.

To qualify, participants must meet minimum requirements drawn from top regenerative agriculture standards. These cover critical areas such as soil health, water management, reduced inputs, water quality protection, and biodiversity enhancement.

Arizona's Role in Advancing Regenerative Cotton

Arizona, a powerhouse in U.S. cotton production known for its high-quality Pima and Upland varieties, stands to benefit significantly from this pilot. The state's growers, who contribute substantially to national output, are already enrolling, with many already enrolled, in the Trust Protocol for the 2025 season, with opportunities to show their already instituted regenerative methods suited to the region's arid climate.

For instance, third-generation Arizona farmer Adam Hatley exemplifies this, employing precision agriculture, cover crops, and conservation tillage to promote soil health and sustainability. Practices long employed.

These practices not only align with the Field Partner Program but also help combat challenges like water scarcity in the Southwest, potentially positioning Arizona as a leader in traceable regenerative cotton.

The Trust Protocol's growth in Arizona reflects broader trends, with overall grower participation rising 14% to 1,512 farmers nationwide, including a strong contingent from the state.

By participating in the pilot, Arizona producers can access new markets demanding verified sustainable fibers, bolstering the local economy while advancing environmental goals.

About the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a voluntary sustainability initiative for U.S. cotton growers, serving as a traceability platform for the entire supply chain. It focuses on quantifiable goals and continuous improvement across six key areas: land use, soil health, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and fiber quality. Through advanced data collection and third-party verification, the protocol verifies progress in responsible cotton production, ensuring transparency from field to fashion.