Netherlands' IDH & Better Cotton redefine partnership

During this period, IDH and Better Cotton will collaborate to support the transformation of the cotton sector, through deepening social and environmental impacts in cotton-growing regions, reducing climate change impacts, and engaging with brands on sustainable sourcing practices, the two entities said in a joint media release.

IDH and Better Cotton are committed to building a cotton sector that promotes climate-resilient approaches which support farmer livelihoods and agricultural practices that protect and restore the environment, as well as business models that incentivise and sustain this transformation. They will cooperate in these areas of mutual interest through programme development, field interventions, and scaling investment opportunities through impact funding.

IDH and Better Cotton have worked closely as strategic partners since 2009 when the Better Cotton Standard System was originally launched, and the Better Cotton Fast Track Program (BCFTP) was established to create momentum for the global cotton market transformation. BCFTP, managed by IDH, drove innovative public-private commitments to accelerate the supply and sourcing of Better Cotton. By the end of the programme in 2015, it supported the production of nearly 2 million metric tons (MT) of Better Cotton and the capacity building of 663,000 farmers in 8 countries.

The programme transitioned to the Better Cotton GIF in 2016. IDH, in addition to being a funder, also provided fund-management services to the Better Cotton GIF, which was executed by a dedicated team at IDH, managing the Fund’s day-to-day operations, the media release added.

“Together, IDH and Better Cotton have come a long way in achieving market transformation towards sustainable cotton and improving livelihoods of over 2 million cotton farmers globally. The Better Cotton model is established as one of the most successful global sustainability standards, including nearly a quarter of the global cotton production. IDH and Better Cotton are both proud as well as humbled with what has been achieved and IDH looks forward to elevating this partnership with Better Cotton to the next level and drive additional impact for the cotton farmers globally,” Pramit Chanda, global director – textiles and manufacturing at IDH, commented on the partnership.

“Since the inception of Better Cotton, IDH has been one of its most important and dedicated partners. IDH took the lead in securing growth and acceleration of the standard through the establishment of the BCFTP and has continuously provided challenge and support, helping ensure Better Cotton’s strategies and interventions are impactful and efficient. Better Cotton looks forward to exploring the new opportunities for driving change together through its continued collaboration and partnership with IDH. The 2030 agenda for transformation requires innovation and brave decisions to succeed. IDH is an ideal partner on both counts,” Lean Staafgard, COO, Better Cotton, stated.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SF)