A presentation on the country's membership in the Better Cotton Initiative was held at the Plant Protection and Technical Crops Research Institute. The presentation, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and organized by the Azerbaijan Cotton Producers Association, provided participants with information about the essence of the Better Cotton Initiative, its activities, and its benefits for business entities and research institutes involved in cotton production.
It should be noted that the “Better Cotton Initiative” (BCI), founded in 2005, is the world’s largest non-profit organization in its field. The purpose of this initiative is to establish a globally recognized standard for more sustainable cotton cultivation. To achieve this mission, BCI’s licensed farmers (3.23 million people across 23 countries on five continents) are trained to apply environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable production practices. The aim of these trainings is to use water more efficiently, reduce the use of chemicals and minimize the negative impact of pesticides on the environment, as well as improve the living conditions and economic development of farmers engaged in cotton cultivation.
Participants were informed that BCI cotton cultivation is carried out separately without mixing with conventional cotton. The cotton bales labeled as “Better Cotton,” harvested and processed, are acquired by BCI members and introduced to the market. These bales can be tracked throughout the production and supply chain using a mass balance system. The “Better Cotton Initiative” brings together farmers, textile brands, and fashion companies worldwide.
Representatives of “MKT Production and Commercial” LLC, “P-Agro,” and “Azərpambıq” companies, as well as specialists from private laboratories, researchers, and experts working in the cotton sector, took part in the presentation ceremony. Consultants from Australia, Pakistan, and Turkey joined the presentation online and answered participants’ questions.