BETTER COTTON INITIATIVE 2013 HARVEST REPORT

www.bettercotton.org 2013www.bettercotton.org HARVEST REPORT Welcome to the Better Cotton Initiative 2013 Harvest Report.

Better Cotton is sown and harvested in different annual cycles all over the world. In some regions sowing and harvesting take place in the same calendar year, and in others these activities spread over two calendar years. For example in the southern hemisphere, cotton sown in the last months of 2012 is referred to as the 2013 harvest, whereas in other regions, cotton harvested in the last months of 2013 and the first few weeks of 2014 is also referred to as the 2013 harvest. All of the data in this report refers to the 2013 harvest.

Because this report is published later in 2014 you’ll also find references to our 2014 thinking, as we learn from our previous experience and work to continually improve the Better Cotton System.

We hope you enjoy reading it.

A NOTE ON DATA PREPARATION

The results presented in this report are weighted national averages of farm-level results, comparing the averages of BCI Farmers to those of Comparison Farmers. The weighting is a standard statistical analysis method, done so that the proportions of each sub-country region represented in Better Cotton projects are similar in both the BCI Farmer group and the Comparison Farmer group at the country level.

IMAGE: © Orta Anadolu

2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org NOTE FROM THE CEO

BCI: VALIDATING THE STORY Party Credibility Checks to ensure that the required information is recorded. These data collection Having worked many years promoting sustainability processes undergo a further level of statistical initiatives across a range of commodities, I often sampling, risk-based analysis by independent felt, ‘This is a great initiative, but are we making Third Party Verifiers including organisations such a difference?’. Thus, it is with particular pride that as Bureau Veritas, SGS, and the FLA (Fair Labour we present the results of the 2013 Better Cotton Association). Harvest. The trends that we highlighted in our first ‘Harvest Report’ last year have been confirmed, but On top of this, we also orchestrate non-scientific, on a much larger scale (680,000 farmers produced but highly useful Case Studies where independent Better Cotton to our Standard, or to a Standard we researchers do a ‘deep dive’ into local operating formally recognise as being equivalent - up from conditions and report their findings. We publish the 164,000 farmers in 2012). findings of the 2013 third party Case Studies in this Harvest Report as a comparison to the conclusions The basic model is working well: BCI Farmers are of our ‘formal’ process findings. Again, the results using much less pesticide and synthetic fertiliser, are reassuring. The trends are confirmed. The while achieving greater, or at least equivalent conclusions reinforced. yields. This reduction in input costs and increase in yield results in substantially greater margin received We also commission evaluation reports from by the farmer’s family. This year’s results show that external parties to review our processes and submit farmers in India, China and Pakistan who applied improvement recommendations, which we embrace our methodology earned approximately 40% more enthusiastically (such a report was received this income than similar farmer groups in those countries year from Wageningen University/LEI and has not using our practices. When one considers that already resulted in process improvements for the these are among the poorest people on the planet - future). this is work that is well worth the effort. The ultimate objective is to translate the results How much confidence do we have in the validity of we currently report into scientifically conducted, these results? Well, here are some of the safeguards independent Impact Assessments (it generally in place. First of all, there is safety in numbers. requires about 5 years of results data to conduct a These results summarise hundreds of thousands meaningful Impact Assessment, so we are rapidly of data points collected from farmers. ‘Outlier’ and approaching this point). dubious data reporting exceptionally good results are filtered out. Our processes become demonstrably more robust each year. We are encouraged by the trends this Additionally, the data collection process incorporates report is highlighting, and remain enthusiastic about numerous process/integrity controls. Everything achieving our mission to transform the way cotton is starts with a Self-Assessment done by the farmers produced globally. themselves who report their practices (and who Patrick Laine record their activities in a log book). BCI staff or our CEO expert Implementing Partners then conduct Second

1 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT 2 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org CONTENTS

BETTER COTTON IN 2013 OUR MISSION ...... 7 BETTER COTTON GLOBALLY ...... 8 THE BETTER COTTON STANDARD SYSTEM ...... 10 FROM THE FARM TO THE MARKET: THE ROLE OF GINNERS ...... 11 SCALING UP IN 2013 ...... 12 ON AND BEYOND THE FARM: LOOKING TOWARD IMPACT ...... 13

FROM THE FIELD REPORTING ON RESULTS ACHIEVED ON BETTER COTTON FARMS ...... 16 ASIA CHINA ...... 19 INDIA ...... 27 PAKISTAN ...... 33 TAJIKISTAN ...... 39 TURKEY ...... 45 AFRICA MALI ...... 51 MOZAMBIQUE ...... 59 BENCHMARKED STANDARDS ALGODÃO BRASILEIRO RESPONSÁVEL (ABR), BRAZIL ...... 65 COTTON MADE IN AFRICA ...... 69

GLOSSARY ...... 4

3 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT GLOSSARY

ha hectares MT metric tonnes

BETTER COTTON TRACER The online volume and transaction tracking tool used by parties authorised by BCI. These parties include ginning factories that volunteer to gin seed Better Cotton, and by merchants, spinners, retailers and brands that are BCI members.

BENCHMARKED STANDARDS Benchmarking is a process of comparing one organisation’s policies, practices, standards or systems with those of similar organisations, and identifying gaps between them. We work with other standards on benchmarking with the Better Cotton Standard System, ultimately allowing the cotton produced under that standard to be sold as Better Cotton, increasing global supply.

LEARNING GROUP A group of farmers that meet to learn from each other and receive training on Better Cotton Production Principles and Criteria.

PRODUCER UNIT A collection of Learning Groups or Medium Farms. The size of a Producer Unit will depend on local circumstances, though the optimal size is between 3,500 to 4,000 smallholders or 100 Medium Farms.

IMPLEMENTING PARTNER An organisation responsible for creating an enabling environment in a given country or project area(s) so that farmers can participate in the Better Cotton Standard System. These Partners implement capacity-building and training based on the Better Cotton Production Principles and Criteria, and collect data at field level.

COMPARISON FARMERS Previously called ‘control groups’, Comparison Farmers are comparable producers operating in the same area as BCI project participants, but not receiving BCI training.

SMALLHOLDER FARMS Producers whose cultivated cotton area does not exceed 20 hectares and who are not structurally dependent on permanent hired labour.

MEDIUM FARMS Producers whose cultivated cotton area ranges from 20 to 200 hectares and who are structurally dependent on permanent hired labour.

LARGE FARMS Producers whose cultivated cotton area exceeds 200 hectares and who are structurally dependent on permanent hired labour.

ORGANIC FERTILISERS Carbon-based fertilisers derived from animal or vegetal matter. Examples include manure and other types of animal waste, compost and other types of plant waste. We also classify unrefined minerals (such as rock phosphate) under this category. Crop residue (green manure) is excluded.

SYNTHETIC FERTILISERS Chemically, artificially manufactured fertilisers, mostly inorganic (mineral) compounds. Examples include NPK complexes, as well as single nutrient fertilisers such as Ammonium Nitrate, Urea (a synthetic organic compound), or superphosphates.

4 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org BETTER COTTON IN 2013

© Orta Anadolu 5 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT Look down. What are you wearing? Chances are that one or more of your clothes are made from cotton. Or maybe it’s your bed sheets, towels or the bank notes in your pocket. Nearly everyone on Earth uses or wears cotton products every day. To meet this demand, over 26 million tonnes of cotton were produced in 2013 in 85 countries around the world.

Cotton is a renewable natural resource but the future of cotton production is vulnerable to poor environmental management, poor working conditions and unstable markets. In 2005, a group of visionary organisations came together to work out a practical solution that would secure the sustainable future of the industry. The result was Better Cotton.

Better Cotton means producing cotton in a way that cares for the environment through processes that minimise the negative impact of fertilisers and pesticides, and care for water, soil health and natural habitats. BCI farmers achieve better yields and more financial security through access to global markets, whilst improving the working conditions in their fields.

Cotton that is made in this way meets the Better Cotton Standard. The standard has been developed by the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), an independent multi- stakeholder organisation whose members are committed to making Better Cotton a mainstream product. From NGO partners to garment manufacturers, from the farmers to household brand names, all BCI’s members are working to transform the way cotton is produced and safeguard the future of the sector.

The standard gives assurance that more sustainable farming is happening on the ground. Every step of cotton production, from sowing and growing to picking and harvesting, adheres to six production principles. BCI Farmers are also expected to continually improve their production processes. The standard can be applied to different scales of cotton production - from smallholder farms in Mali, Mozambique and Tajikistan to large, industrialised operations in Brazil and China.

Top international brands including adidas, H&M, IKEA, Levi Strauss & Co., M&S and Nike already use Better Cotton in their products. Their support and that of all BCI’s members means that more and more Better Cotton is coming onto the market. In 2013, 3.7% of all the cotton produced globally was Better Cotton. By 2020, we want this figure to be 30%. By then, the cotton products you use every day are more likely to contain cotton produced in a more sustainable way. That’s better for the farmers, the environment and the cotton sector, and that’s better for all of us.

6 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org OUR MISSION

The Better Cotton Initiative exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future.

BCI connects people and organisations from across the cotton sector, from field to store, to promote measurable and continuing improvements for the environment, farming communities and the economies of cotton-producing areas.

BCI aims to transform cotton production worldwide by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity.

Be part of something Better.

7 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT BETTER COTTON GLOBALLY

In 2013, over 744,000 farmers took part in training with 24 Implementing Partners and CmiA in 15 countries.

Of these farmers, almost 680,000 farmers met all requirements to receive a licence to grow Better Cotton.

These farmers produced over 905,000 MT of Better Cotton. 2010 2011 1,350,000 1,380,000 600,000

905,000945,000 790,000 780,000 BRAZIL

155,000 130 BCI Farmers 690,000 683,000 680,000 683,000 188,000 Better Cotton hectares 623,000 623,000 321,000 Better Cotton MT lint 750,000 750,000 MALI 440,000 33,000 BCI Farmers 86,000 Better Cotton hectares 35,000 Better Cotton MT lint 250,000 250,000 240,000 Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) / 200,000 200,000 164,000 164,000 Smallholder Cotton Standard (SCS) 440,000 farmers 90,000 90,000 65,000 65,000 240,000 600,000 hectares 35,000 35,000 28,500 28,500 155,000 MT lint

BetterBCI Farmers Cotton Area under Better Better Cotton Farmers Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT lint) (ha) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2013 CmiA

8 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org BCI projects Benchmarked standard: CmiA / SCS Benchmarked standard: ABR, Brazil NB. 2013 was a period of transition for the Brazilian Better Cotton harvest, with a benchmarking agreement completed in early 2014. Therefore Brazil has been included in this and will be in all future reports as a benchmarked standard, reflecting our partnership agreement.

CHINA 6,000 BCI farmers 27,000 Better Cotton hectares 53,000 Better Cotton MT lint

TAJIKISTAN 680 BCI farmers 11,000 Better Cotton hectares 10,000 Better Cotton MT lint

PAKISTAN 46,500 BCI farmers * 193,000 Better Cotton hectares 157,000 Better Cotton MT lint

INDIA 146,000 BCI farmers 236,000 Better Cotton hectares 160,000 Better Cotton MT lint

TURKEY 280 BCI Farmers 7,000 Better Cotton hectares 13,000 Better Cotton MT lint

MOZAMBIQUE 6,300 BCI Farmers 6,000 Better Cotton hectares 1,300 Better Cotton MT lint

This year, 78% of farmers who took part in training in BCI projects went on to receive a Better Cotton licence.

9 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT ON THE FARM: THE BETTER COTTON STANDARD SYSTEM

The Better Cotton Standard System is a holistic approach to sustainable cotton production which covers all three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social and economic. Six components make up the Better Cotton Standards System: Production Principles and Criteria; Capacity Building; Assurance Program; Chain of Custody; Claims Framework; and Results and Impact. Each of the components work together to support the system, and the credibility of Better Cotton and BCI. Find out more at bettercotton.org/standard.

1. Farmers make an informed decision to participate in a BCI program

FARMERS ARE ORGANISED INTO THREE CATEGORIES:

6 PRODUCTION PRINCIPLES Smallholders < 20ha Medium Farms 20-200ha Large Farms Organised in Learning Groups >200ha Crop and Producer Units Protection

Water 2. Participating farmers have access to training and work towards BCI’s Production Principles & Criteria

Soil 24 production criteria across the 6 principles apply to all farm categories Health +20 additional criteria for Medium and Large Farms Natural Habitats 3. Participating farmers maintain individual Farmer Field Books and participate in BCI’s Assurance Program Fibre Quality BETTER COTTON ASSURANCE PROGRAM

1. Better Cotton Performance Scale Decent » Minimum Requirements Work i. Minimum Production Requirement ii. Management Requirements iii. Reporting on Result Indicators » Improvement requirements 2. Farmers’ self-assessment 3. Combination of systematic or sample-based 2nd party credibility checks and 3rd party Independent Verification

4. Those participating farmers meeting the minimum requirements earn the Better Cotton licence, and are able to sell their cotton on to ginners and further up the supply chain as Better Cotton.

10 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org FROM FARM TO MARKET: THE ROLE OF GINNERS

Ginners play a unique role in the global Better During the cotton season, we also carry out regular Cotton supply chain. Not only do they link cotton gin monitoring visits. This is to ensure: farmers to an international commodity supply » Chain of Custody Guidelines are followed; chain, but they are also the only supply chain actor » Procurement practices are followed; and to follow a segregation-based Chain of Custody, » The Better Cotton Tracer is being properly used. creating 100% physical Better Cotton bales. Monitoring particularly focuses on ensuring A number of our ginners, particularly in Africa, play that gins are procuring Better Cotton only from a diverse and collaborative role in their interactions licensed farmers, segregating Better Cotton from with cotton farmers in their regions. Among these conventional cotton, creating 100% Better Cotton roles are training the farmers on various aspects of bales, recording data about transactions (seed cotton production, provision and co-management of cotton purchase, bale production and sales of lint) inputs, collection and transport of seed cotton. This in the Better Cotton Tracer in a timely manner, level of engagement from ginners with BCI Farmers and issuing necessary documentation to buyers to develops a mutually beneficial and a productive prove the origin of Better Cotton bales. For countries partnership between gins and BCI. Recognising where benchmarked standards operate we do not this important position, we deliver a dedicated carry out gin monitoring as they have their own training and monitoring programme at gin level in all appropriate systems. countries of operation. The Better Cotton Standard is applicable at farm NUMBER OF GINNERS TRAINED level only. Gin training and monitoring only for Chain of Custody requirements is, however, a critical part Brazil 61 of our work with an actor that bridges farm level and the global cotton supply chain. China 10 India 75 GINNER TRAINING Mali 6 Mozambique 2 Pakistan 119 2013 Tajikistan 11

Turkey 16 2012 TOTAL 300 2013 2011 Training involves a detailed explanation of 2012the requirements for ginners in the Better Cotton Chain of Custody Guidelines and instructions on how2011 to 2010 declare transactions on the BCI traceability system, the Better Cotton Tracer. Ginners do not have to 2010pay 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 any fees to gain access to BCI’s traceability system, 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 or join formally as members. Brazil China India Mali Mozambique Pakistan Tajikistan Turkey

11 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT The total amount invested SCALING UP IN 2013 in field-level projects in 2013 was €8 million. € €5.4 million of which was channelled through the Better Cotton Fast Track Program.

DIVERSITY AND SCALE is part of what makes us unique. In 2013, 99% of the farmers participating in BCI projects were BCI is scaling up. smallholders who work on plots of land of less than 20 hectares. In general, smallholder farmers Between 2010 and 2012 we tested the Standard average less than 2 hectares in size, about the size and methodology, proving the concept. In 2013, of one to two football fields. we entered a phase of expansion and had a very exciting and productive year. The expansion meant Our target is to reach 5 million farmers that along with our Partners we worked with nearly by 2020. To achieve this goal, we rely on 750,000 farmers in 15 countries on three continents, Implementing Partners with the skills and expertise and in a multitude of contexts. In just one year, to engage and train farmers to grow Better Cotton. we saw a four-fold increase in the Supporting Partners is at the centre of this approach. number of farmers reached. As well as providing local support to Implementing Partners through country managers and Strategic Farmers working with us and partner standards Partners, we invite key Partners to an annual ‘train- cultivated cotton on plots of land ranging from a the-trainer’ program developed in collaboration with quarter of a hectare to a few thousand hectares. International Resources for Fairer Trade, our global To grow a successful cotton crop, the vast majority training partner. Made up of distance learning, a of these farmers relied on family or hired labour, four day workshop, and an examination, the train- permanent and seasonal. Some farms were highly the-trainer program combines active, participatory mechanised, using the latest technology to optimise learning with a rigorous, technical focus to build fertiliser application and minimise superfluous a pool of qualified trainers within each partner irrigation. organisation. Our Partners, in turn, use innovation, local expertise, and creativity to develop national Last season, some farmers faced intense pest guidance material and deliver quality ‘cascade’ pressure while others dealt with unpredictable training on how best to achieve the Better Cotton monsoon rains. The common thread woven through Standard locally. all these contexts is the commitment BCI Farmers have to applying the Better Cotton Standard, At farm level, smallholders are organised into regardless of the conditions. They are proving this Learning Groups in each community. They are is possible whether they are working in southern supported by Field Facilitators who train and guide India, northern China, Mali, or Turkey. them on the Better Cotton requirements and support the groups in learning efforts. Our Partners work to CAPACITY BUILDING increase access to information that can empower smallholders to improve their farm practices and Achieving the scale we envision on all three of our strengthen connectivity to the international market. global indicators - number of BCI Farmers, area Becoming more sustainable should not only be in under Better Cotton cultivation, and amount of reach of the largest, most technologically-advanced Better Cotton produced - cannot be done without agricultural enterprises. making a concerted effort to enable smallholder farmers to participate. Approximately 75% of global Along with our Partners, we are cotton production comes from smallholder farmers showing that it is possible to engage in developing countries. Addressing the key social, farmers from diverse contexts at real environmental, and economic impacts of cotton scale to achieve more sustainable farming in this context is critical to our mission and cotton production.

12 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org ON AND BEYOND THE FARM: LOOKING TOWARD IMPACT

Along with our Partners we are striving to work with millions of farmers to produce more responsible BCI’s MONITORING AND EVALUATION cotton at scale. In the fields of international ACTIVITIES development and environmental science, which are at the centre of our work, it is important to use the » Farm-Level Results: word impact1 with great care. Beyond attempting as reported by farmers themselves. to demonstrate this by counting farmers meeting the Better Cotton Standard, we are committed to » Independent Case Studies: ensuring that meeting the standard translates into in two or more countries per year. These cotton production that is truly better for the people complement regular results monitoring by who produce it, better for the environment it grows validating the accuracy of farm-level data. The in, and better for the sector’s future. Our first steps studies also run focus group discussions with in that direction involved setting common worldwide farmers using the Most Significant Change indicators for agronomic and economic results at approach to gather their views on growing Better farm level, which are reported on in this Harvest Cotton and learn how they feel it has affected Report. them, their families, and their communities.

We recognise the need for in-depth and longer-term » External Evaluations and Assessments: assessments to be able to measure the reduced to explore specific, medium-term outcomes environmental and improved social impacts of achieved through implementation of the Better Better Cotton. We are working to design and use Cotton Standard. indicators and evaluation methods in the near future that move toward the measurement of impact (from See page 18 for ‘A Note on Data Preparation’ numbers of farmers trained on record-keeping to and more information on ‘Results Data effects on livelihoods, for example), and we continue Validation’. to welcome collaboration with other institutions interested in impact measurement.

Thus, we do not (yet) speak of ‘impact’, but rather of ‘results’. We can say with confidence, for example, that X farmers in Country A used, on average, 30% less pesticide than a comparison group of farmers in the same region who were not using our methodology. We are therefore excited to share our annual farm-level results in the spirit of learning and transparency.

1 Impact is defined as positive and negative long-term effects resulting from the implementation of a standards system, either directly or indirectly, intended or unintended (from the ISEAL Impacts Code, adapted from OECD Glossary).

13 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT 14 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org FROM THE FIELD

Packing cotton for transit, Turkey © Orta Anadolu 15 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT REPORTING ON RESULTS ACHIEVED ON BETTER COTTON FARMS

From the first Better Cotton harvest four years ago, » At BCI, we believe that producing cotton more we have emphasised the importance of monitoring responsibly will lead to improved environmental, results achieved by farmers participating in the economic, and social outcomes. One step toward Better Cotton System. As such, we have built measuring some of these changes is collecting annual results reporting into the requirements of the annual farm-level data. Standard. The reason for this is twofold: The results presented in this Harvest Report » Inviting every farmer participating in BCI projects compare the country averages of key environmental to record data related to agricultural inputs, costs, and economic indicators achieved by BCI Farmers and income earned from cotton is part of building to comparable farmers in the same areas who monitoring and learning capacity at farm and operate outside of BCI projects. We refer to these community levels. latter farmers as the Comparison Group.

RESULTS MEASUREMENT INDICATORS Pesticide use % difference between BCI Farmers and Comparison Farmers in kilograms (kg) of active ingredient applied per hectare (ha). Pesticides include insecticides, herbicides, acaricides, fungicides, as well as all substances used as defoliant, desiccant, or growth regulators. We collect the type and concentration of active ingredient applied because this enables calculation of the chemicals contained within pesticides that are added to cotton farms. Fertiliser use % difference between BCI Farmers and Comparison Farmers in kilograms (kg) of synthetic and organic fertiliser applied per hectare (ha). Farmers report on the category and exact composition of each fertiliser used. We store this information for use in future, more detailed, studies. The long-term objective is to ensure an optimal application of nutrients that matches the needs of the crop, maintains long- term soil health and structure, makes economic sense, and minimises off-farm pollution (notably eutrophication through nutrient run-off or leaching) and GHG emission (notably through nitrous oxide emissions and industrial nitrogen fixation). Water use for % difference between BCI Farmers and Comparison Farmers on cubic metres (m3) irrigation of water used for irrigation per hectare (ha). Use of water for irrigation is only measured on farms that irrigate. A cotton crop is considered irrigated if it receives one or more irrigations in a season. Rain-fed farms are excluded from the analysis. Yield % difference between BCI Farmers and Comparison Farmers on kilograms (kg) of lint cotton produced per hectare (ha). Total production at farm level is expressed in kilograms of seed cotton. We convert the unit of measurement to lint by multiplying the amount of seed cotton in kilograms by the average gin turnout ratio (set separately for each country) and dividing by 1,000. Profitability % difference between BCI Farmers and Comparison Farmers on net income earned from cotton per hectare (ha). This is calculated as the gross income received from the sale of the cotton crop minus the total variable costs of growing the cotton crop.

16 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org These indicators, except profitability, are reported SAMPLING APPROACH across all contexts, regardless of country, farm FOR DATA COLLECTION size, or technology used on the farm. With regard to the improvement of livelihoods, however, we are During the harvest years between 2010 and 2012, primarily concerned with supporting and monitoring we collected Results Indicator data from all farmers this for smallholders and medium farms. The participating in the Better Cotton System. As Better profitability indicator (a first step in understanding Cotton expands - from four countries in 2010 to eight the economic situation) is therefore only collected in 2013 (not including Standards and programs with from and communicated about smallholder and equivalency that sell their cotton as Better Cotton) medium farms. - and the number of smallholders rapidly increases, the costs and effort associated with collection and Due to differences in local conditions, we do not management of data from hundreds of thousands of compare indicators between countries. Results are farmers become increasingly complex. also only presented for one harvest year because within a country or a sub-area of a country, annual Data from all medium and large farms is still results are affected by external factors that change collected. For smallholders, we developed a year-on-year. Factors like rainfall, pest pressure, sampling methodology, which was reviewed and and market price mean that comparing results endorsed by researchers at Wageningen University across two to three years may not allow meaningful in the Netherlands. The methodology includes the conclusions to be drawn. We are exploring future collection of data from a representative sample of options for longitudinal analysis of results in Learning Groups that are randomly selected by countries that have been participating in Better BCI on a yearly basis at the end of the season. The Cotton since the first harvest. With time, we will be Farmer Field Book is maintained by all farmers for able to move in this direction. learning purposes.

In the 2014 season, we are introducing three new COMPARISON DATA social indicators. They will be reported on in the next annual Harvest Report. Each Producer Unit and large farm we work with is responsible for collecting data from Comparison FARMER-REPORTED RESULTS Farmers. These farmers can live in the same community as BCI Farmers, in neighbouring The starting point for all data collection and communities, or in other nearby locations. Their reporting associated with the results presented key characteristics make them as similar to project here is the information recorded by farmers during farmers as possible. Comparison Farmers should the season in their Farmer Field Book or equivalent present similar socio-economic characteristics record keeping system. We provide a Farmer Field as BCI Farmers. The characteristics of their farm Book template indicating the type of information that should also be taken into account: is to be recorded by farmers. The actual format of the Farmer Field Book is tailored by local partners » number and type of labourers to what is most suitable for the farmer. In contexts » size where a majority of participants have limited literacy » irrigation system skills, Field Facilitators assist farmers in tracking and » general soil fertility recording the relevant information. The Farmer Field » crops grown Book can equally be in the form of a computerised » experience in growing cotton record keeping system in the case of large farms.

17 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT A NOTE ON DATA PREPARATION

The results presented in this report are weighted national averages of farm-level results, comparing the averages of BCI Farmers to those of Comparison Farmers. The weighting is a standard statistical analysis method, done so that the proportions of each sub-country region represented in Better Cotton projects are similar in both the BCI Farmer group and the Comparison Farmer group at the country level.

RESULTS DATA VALIDATION

In addition to the data reported by farmers, we annually contract researchers or consultants to conduct independent case studies in two or more countries – in 2013, studies were conducted in China and Mali. One objective of these studies is to collect data from samples of Better Cotton and Comparison Farmers (identified by the independent researcher). The findings of these independent studies are compared to the data reported by farmers and Producer Units. This will corroborate – or not – the data we receive from farmers via our Partners. While the case studies are not fully representative of the Better Cotton population, they do indicate trends that can be compared to our data. The findings of the 2013 studies are presented in the relevant country pages.

18 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org CHINA

Migrant cotton worker, China © Better Cotton Initiative 19 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT CHINA 2nd HARVEST

JAN DEC Sowing Harvest APR - MAY SEP - NOV

BETTER COTTON PROJECTS GROWTH 2012 2013 53,000 53,000 28,000 28,000 27,000 27,000 15,000 15,000 China 6,000 6,000 3,500 3,500

BetterBCI Farmers Cotton Area under Better Better Cotton Farmers Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT (ha) lint)

2012 2013

ORGANISATION 53,000 In 2013, 8 BCI Implementing Partners worked with 6,066 farmers organised into 116 Learning Groups and 12 Producer Units. 4,345 farmers in China earned a Better Cotton licence. 28,000 PRODUCER IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS 27,000 UNIT 15,000 6,000 3,500

Better Cotton Area under Better Better Cotton Farmers Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT (ha) lint)

Collection of farmers Collection of Learning = Learning Group Groups = Producer Unit Taichang Golden Field

20 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org CHINA 2nd HARVEST

China is the Plastic mulching is practiced in China’s world’s northwest, a technology adopted in the 1980s that contributes to high yields experienced in largest the region. Plastic film is used to cover fields to keep temperatures warm for newly-planted cotton seeds. BCI Farmers are rigorously adopting recommendations to invest in higher quality film producer, and recycle it, which eliminates unnecessary pollution left on the ground that was previously and holds the highest disintegrating into pieces and getting ground spinning capacity in Asia. into the earth each season. The pollution blocks water from penetrating the soil, reducing yields. Most of Chinese-grown cotton is used domestically.

“Long term, BCI supports the business growth of our ginning company, leaving a better future for our grandchildren.”

Mr Li Haiyong of Binzhou Yuhai Cotton Co. Ltd., a Better Cotton Ginner in China

Cotton gin © Better Cotton Initiative

21 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT Yield (kg lint/ha) Smallholder BCI Farmers ▲11% Comparison Farmers

0 500 1000 1500 2000 Region where BCI Farmers are located CHINA: results 2nd HARVEST Profit (per ha) Smallholder BCI Farmers ▲37% Comparison Farmers

Xinjiang

Hebei Water Use (m3/ha) Smallholder BCI Farmers ▼23% Shandong Comparison Farmers 0K 2K 4K 6K 8K Yield (kg lint/ha) Smallholder BCI Farmers ▲11% Fertiliser UsCeom (pkagris/ohna F)armers Synthetic Organic Yield (kg lint/ha) 0 500 1000 1500 2000 Region where BCI Farmers are located Smallholder BCI Farmers ▼1% ▲42% Smallholder BCI Farmers ▲11% Comparison Farmers In Hebei thereCom waspariso nslight Farmer sflooding in 2013. Despite this, licensed BCI Farmers were able to achieve BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance Profit (per ha) 0K 1K 2K 3K higher yields than the Comparison0 5Farmers.00 100 In0 Shandong1500 province,2000 more rain than usual contributed Region where BCI Farmers are located Smallholder toS mgoodallhold overaller BCI Fconditions.armers ▲37% Yield ▲11% Comparison Farmers Pesticide Use ▼10% Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼1% Profit (per ha) ▲42% Organic Fertiliser Use ▲37% Water Use Xinjiang ▼23% Smallholder BCI Farmers Comparison Farmers Profit Hebei ▲37% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) WSmaatlelhro lUdesre (BmCI3 F/ahrmae)rs ▼10% Xinjiang Smallholder CBComI Fparrmisoenrs Farmers ▼23%

HebSehi andong Comparison Farmers 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 Water Use (m3/ha) 0K 2K 4K 6K 8K MajorSmallh opestslder BwereCI Farm aphidsers and red spider mites. In 2013,▼23% there was no remarkable pest pressure in Shandong China. FarmersComp atrainedrison Farm oners the Better Cotton Standard began to apply less pesticide than in previous years, showing a difference with Comparison Farmers. 0K 2K 4K 6K 8K Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic Smallholder BCI Farmers ▼1% ▲42% Comparison Farmers Synthetic Organic BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) 0K 1K 2K 3K Smallholder Smallholder BCI Farmers ▼1% ▲42% Yield ▲11% Comparison Farmers Pesticide Use ▼10% BSCynIt hFeaticr mFeertirlisse vr Uss Ce omparison Farmers perform▼1a%nce 0K 1K 2K 3K Organic Fertiliser Use Sma▲llh4o2l%der Water Use ▼23% Yield ▲11% BCI Farmers used slightly less synthetic and more organic fertiliser than Comparison Farmers. In Perosftiitcide Use ▼▲1307%% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼1% addition to recycling plastic film used on fields for mulching, some BCI Farmers returned cut cotton Smallholder BCI Farmers ▼10% Organic Fertiliser Use ▲42% stalks to the field post-harvest, which with appropriate application of fertiliser, helped to improved Water Use ▼23% Comparison Farmers Profit ▲37% soil health. Pesticide Active Ingredient U0.0se (kg/ha0).5 1.0 1.5 Smallholder BCI Farmers ▼10% Comparison Farmers

0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5

22 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org CHINA:Yield (kg lint/ha) results 2nd HARVEST Smallholder BCI Farmers ▲11% Comparison Farmers

0 500 1000 1500 2000 Region where BCI Farmers are located

Profit (per ha) Smallholder BCI Farmers ▲37% Comparison Farmers

Xinjiang Hebei Water Use (m3/ha) Smallholder BCI Farmers ▼23% Shandong Comparison Farmers 0K 2K 4K 6K 8K

Better Cotton smallholders used less water for irrigation. Yield (kg lint/ha) FSemratlillhiosldeerr UsBeCI (Fkagrm/ehrsa) Synthetic Organic ▲11% Smallholder CBoCmI pFaarrismoenr sFarmers ▼1% ▲42% Comparison Farmers 0 500 1000 1500 2000 Region where BCI Farmers are located BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance 0K 1K 2K 3K Smallholder Profit (per ha) Yield ▲11% Pesticide Use ▼10% Smallholder BCI Farmers ▲37% Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼1% Comparison Farmers Organic Fertiliser Use ▲42% Water Use ▼23% Profit ▲37% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Xinjiang Lower use of inputs and irrigation water had a positive effect on BCI Farmers’ profitability among Hebei smallholdersSmallholder B CandI Farm mediumers farms. ▼10% Water Use (Cmom3p/ahriaso)n Farmers Smallholder BCI Farmers 0.0 0.5 1.0 ▼23% 1.5 Shandong Comparison Farmers 0K 2K 4K 6K 8K

SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR SMALLHOLDER AND MEDIUM FARMS IN CHINA 2013 Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic BCI FARMERS AGAINST COMPARISON FARMERS Smallholder BCI Farmers ▼1% ▲42% Yield Comparison Farmers 11% The results presented here were calculated BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance Pesticide Use 010%K 1K 2K based3K on data from 4,123 BCI Farmers and 840 Smallholder Synthetic Fertiliser Use 1% Comparison Farmers. Some data was excluded Yield ▲11% from the analysis because no comparison data Pesticide Use ▼10% Organic Fertiliser Use 42% Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼1% was available for a group of farmers. Therefore Organic Fertiliser Use ▲42% Water Use 23% Water Use ▼23% the results shown here represent 95% of BCI Profit 37% Profit ▲37% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Farmers in China. Smallholder BCI Farmers ▼10% Comparison Farmers

0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5

23 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT CHANGE INYield ( kgCHINA Lint /ha) 2nd HARVEST BCI Farmers ▲14% * 2013 IndependentComparison Fa rmCaseers Study 0K 1K 2K 3K BCI Farmers Location

Profit (per ha) BCI Farmers ▲30% Comparison Farmers

These results were calculated from data collected during the independent Xinjiang 53 BCI Farmers took caseWa tstudyer Us ein (China.m3/ha )As part of the study, we commissioned researchers or BconsultantsCI Farmers to collect a sample of data from both BCI▼ 2and3% Comparison part in the China case Yield (kg Lint /ha) FarmersComparis andon Fa rcomparedmers it to that self-reported by our Partners. In China, study in 2013. BCI Farmers ▲14% the results trends match,0K 2givingK us4K confidence6K that8K our 10dataK is 1reliable.2K 14K * Comparison Farmers 95 Comparison 0K 1K 2K 3K BCI Farmers Location Farmers also took FYeierltdil i(skegr LUisnet /(hkag)/ha) part in the case study, PBrCoI fFiatr m(peres r ha) ▲1% ▲14% * allowing us to show CBComI Fpaarrmisoenrs Farmers ▲30% Comparison Farmers 0K 500 1K 1000 2K 1500 3K BCI Farmers Location comparative results BCI Farmers Vs Non-BCI Farmers Pindicatorserformance between Yield ▲14% Profit (per ha) Pesticide Use those farmers▼67% who Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) ▲30% Xinjiang WBCaIt Fearrm Uersse (m3/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use apply the▲ 1Better% BCComI Fpaarrmiseorns Farmers ▼67% BCI Farmers ▼23% Water Use ▼23% YCioemldpa r(iskogn FLairmnetr s/ha) Cotton Standard, and Comparison Farmers BCI Farmers ▲14% Profit ▲30% 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 * those do not. Comparison Farmers 0K 2K 4K 6K 8K 10K 12K 14K Xinjiang Water Use (m3/h0aK) 1K 2K 3K BCI Farmers Location BCI Farmers ▼23% Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) PCroomfpiatr i(spone Fra hrmae)rs BCI Farmers ▲1% BCI Farmers 0K 2K 4K 6K 8K 10K 12K▲30%14K Comparison Farmers Comparison Farmers 0 500 1000 1500 BCI Farmers Vs Non-BCI Farmers Performance Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Yield ▲14% BCI Farmers ▲1%

Pesticide Use Xinjiang ▼67% PWCeoasmttepiarcr iisUdonse Fe Aa r(mcmetri3sv/eh aIn)gredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▲1% YBiCeIl Fda r(mkegrs Lint /ha) ▼67% ▼23% 0 500 1000 1500 Water Use ▼23% ▲14% BCI Farmers Vs Non-BCI Farmers Performance CBComI Fparrmisoenrs Farmers Profit * ▲30% Comparison Farmers 0.K0 02.2K 04.4K 0.6K 0.88K 1.010K 1.212K 1.144K Yield ▲14% 0K 1K 2K 3K BPCesIt iFcidaer mUsers Location ▼67% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▲1% BCI Farmers ▼67% Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Water Use ▼23% PCroomfpiatr i(spone Fra hrmae)rs BCI Farmers ▲1% Profit ▲30% BCI Farmers 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 ▲30%1.4 Comparison Farmers Comparison Farmers 0 500 1000 1500 BCI Farmers Vs Non-BCI Farmers Performance Yield ▲14% Xinjiang Water Use (m3/ha) Pesticide Use ▼67% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) BCI Farmers ▼23% Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▲1% BCI Farmers ▼67% Water Use 24 ▼23% Comparison Farmers 0K 2K 4K 6K 8K 10K 12K 14K Profit 2013 HARVEST▲30 %REPORT 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 www.bettercotton.org1.0 1.2 1.4

Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) BCI Farmers ▲1%

Comparison Farmers

0 500 1000 1500 BCI Farmers Vs Non-BCI Farmers Performance Yield ▲14% Pesticide Use ▼67% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▲1% BCI Farmers ▼67% Water Use ▼23% Comparison Farmers

Profit ▲30% 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 CHANGE IN CHINA 2nd HARVEST 2013 Independent Case Study

In 2013, we asked farmers in China: What is the Each shape below reflects an answer given by a most significant change you have seen since farmer. The farmers then ranked these in order of you became part of the Better Cotton movement? how important they felt each was, giving us a clear China Indpendent Stuqualitativedy picture of the ‘Most Significant Change’ Province/Region which Better Cotton is bringing to farmers. Xinjiang

More awareness of More Awareness of Soil Health Prohibition of soil health Prochildhibitio labourn of Child labor Increased income Increased Income Reduced water for Rirrigationeduced Irrigation Water

Better protection of Better Protection of the Improved Cotton Yield the environmentEnvironment Yields improved Improvement of Improvement of Cotton cotton-farmingFarming Technologies Production technologies Reduced Production costs Improved Costs Improved Fibre reduced fibreQual ity quality

improved relations Scientific use of Impbetweenroved Rela temployerions betwee n Environmental Employer and Employee Scpesticidesientific Use of P eandsticid es and and employee Proper Disposal of Containers changes proper disposal of Social containers changes Economic changes

We are becoming more conscious of saving In the past, city and town people would hire “water, and yet, production is also increasing. ““out of class tutors” for their children and we were Lu” Jian not able to as it is very expensive. In 2012, several farmers had more income and began to hire tutors. In 2013, even more farmers could afford We all have seen the tangible benefits of the to do it. This change is important to us and it is “training, and we will not go back to previous ways the increased income since working with BCI that of working. enabled us to afford it. ” Wang Zhenhai ” He Tianyou

25 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT “As long as you are here, I don’t face any challenges.”

Reheman Yibulayin is an Uyghur farmer and father to two little girls.

Living in Baxiawati Village in the Xinjiang Province of Northern China, Reheman makes his living growing cotton on 1.3 hectares of land. © Better Cotton Initiative Before CottonConnect started work in Xinjiang, the most critical challenge Reheman faced was crop protection. Ten years ago he didn’t use any pesticides, but many neighbouring farms did. Over time, this resulted in an imbalance of the ecosystem, and Reheman’s pest issues became much worse. In an attempt to take control of the situation he started buying pesticides. However, like most Uyghur farmers, Rehman doesn’t speak Mandarin.

He struggled to understand the usage instructions for the pesticides and was forced to follow recommendations from the dealers themselves. He mixed several pesticides together in much larger dosages than needed and applied the mixture to his crops, believing the more pesticides he used the sooner the pests would be killed. As well as environmental damage and potential health issues, Reheman was spending up to 3,750 yuan/ha on crop protection - around 5 times more than the average in the area. Reheman is not the only Uyghur farmer who spent so much money on pesticides. It is common for Uyghur farmers’ production costs to be higher than those of Han farmers in the same geographic region. Han farmers speak Mandarin, and usually farm larger areas of land so can manage their cotton farm more efficiently. To help the disadvantaged Uyghur farmers manage their farm in a more sustainable way, CottonConnect China started work in 2013 in the Xinjiang Province.

As a BCI Implementing Partner and together with the Better Cotton Fast Track Program, CottonConnect hired experts and interpreters to train Reheman and his fellow villagers. They learnt how to manage pests, conserve soil, stay healthy and follow Decent Work principles. Following two years of learning, Reheman reduced his pesticide spend to 750 yuan/ha in 2013. What’s more, he also achieved a higher yield: 5,250 kg/ha seed cotton as opposed to 4,200 kg/ha seed cotton in 2012. When we asked him what technical problems he encounters now, Reheman replied: ‘As long as you are here, I don’t face any challenges.’

CottonConnect are the winners of the 2014 Stories from the Field competition for BCI Implementing Partners.

26 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org INDIA

Leaning Group meeting with BCI Implementing Partner, Ambuja Cement Foundation, India © Better Cotton Initiative 27 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVESTANNUAL REPORT INDIA 4th HARVEST

JAN DEC Harvest Sowing Harvest OCT - FEB MAR - SEP OCT - FEB

BETTER COTTON PROJECTS GROWTH2010 201120102012 20112013 2012 2013 236,000 236,000

160,000 160,000

146,000146,000 137,000 137,000 India 93,000 81,000 93,000 81,000

47,50047,500 35,000 35,000 31,500 18,000 31,500 12,500 18,000 12,500 10,000 10,000

BetterBCI Farmers Cotton Area under Better Cotton Farmers Better Cotton Produced (MT Cultivation (ha) lint)lint) 2010 2011 2012 2013

ORGANISATION 236,000 In 2013, 9 BCI Implementing Partners worked with 156,895 farmers organised into 5,036 Learning Groups and 57 Producer Units. 145,837 farmers in India earned a Better Cotton licence. 160,000 146,000

PRODUCER IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS 137,000 UNIT 93,000 81,000 47,500 35,000 31,500 18,000 12,500 10,000

Better Cotton Area under Better Cotton Farmers Better Cotton Produced (MT Collection of farmers Collection of Learning Cultivation (ha) lint) = Learning Group Groups = Producer Unit

28 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org INDIA 4th HARVEST

Cotton in India is grown as both a rain-fed and irrigated crop.

of India’s 10 cotton-producing out of states produce 11 Better Cotton.

In 2013 we spent time in the field with Kasharu, a BCI Farmer India is the in Maharashtra, and his family to learn about how Better Cotton has transformed the way he works. world’s Listen to his story by watching the video on our website, or click the image above if browsing this report online. second

All cotton farmers in India are smallholders. largest cotton producer, and holds the second highest spinning capacity in Asia.

““We have now realised the importance of record keeping and how better decision- making can be helpful in seasonal crop activities.” BCI Farmer, Mall Wala village, India

Working with BCI Implementing Partner: Trident Limited

Trident Ltd. Leaning Group meeting © Better Cotton Initiative

29 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT Yield (kg lint/ha) BCI Farmers ▲18% Comparison Farmers

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 4th HARVEST Region where BCI Farmers are located INDIA: results

Punjab

Water Use (m3/ha) ▼14% Rajasthan BCI Farmers Madhya Pradesh Comparison Farmers

0K 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K Gujarat

Maharashtra Orissa

Telengana Profit (per ha) BCI Farmers ▲44% Andhra Pradesh Karnataka YCioemldpa r(iskogn Flainrmte/hrsa) BCI Farmers ▲18% Tamil Nadu Comparison Farmers

Yield (kg lint/ha)0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Region where BCI Farmers are located BCI Farmers ▲18% Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance TheCom p2013arison Faseasonrmers was uneventful in terms of rainfall. The monsoon was as expected, with the BCI Farmers ▼28% ▲22% Punjab Yield ▲18% exception of a few0 states’100 yields200 negatively300 400 affected500 60 0by a7 0late0 season800 dry period that caused early Pesticide Use ▼23% burstingCompariso nof F athermer sbolls. RSeygntihoentic w Fehrteilirser BUsCeI Farmers are located ▼28% Water Use (m3/h0a) 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 Organic Fertiliser Use ▲22% Water Use ▼14% BCI Farmers ▼14% RPuajnajsatbhan Profit Madhya Prades▲h44% Comparison Farmers

Water Use (m3/ha0K) 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K Gujarat Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) BCI Farmers ▼14% Rajasthan BCI Farmers ▼22% MaharashtMraadhya POrraidsessah Comparison Farmers Comparison Farmers 0K 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 Gujarat Telengana Profit (per ha) SuckingBCI Farme rspests have started to become more damaging ▲in44 %comparison to other pests, a new Maharashtra Orissa Andhra Pradesh development since the wide-spread use of GM cotton in the country. BCI Farmers have learnt about Karnataka Comparison Farmers different sucking pests and ways to manage them strategically, in addition to use of pesticides. The Telengana Profit (per ha) Tamil Nadu useBCI ofFar mtrapers crops and botanical pest control measures has begun▲44% in large scale. Importance is also Andhra Pradesh given in the selection of cultivars which are resistant to sucking pests. These developments among Karnataka Comparison Farmers BCI Farmers can partly explain the difference in pesticide use compared to Comparison Farmers. Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic BCI Farmers vs Comparison FarmerTsam pile Nrafdourmance BCI Farmers ▼28% ▲22% Yield ▲18% Pesticide Use ▼23% Comparison Farmers Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼28% Fertiliser Use (kg0 /ha) 500 100S0ynthetic 1500 Org2a0n0i0c 2500 BOCrgIa nFica Fremrtielisresr Uvsse Comparison Farmers perform▲2a2n%ce Water Use ▼14% BCI Farmers ▼28% ▲22% YPireolfdit ▲▲1484%% Pesticide Use ▼23% Comparison Farmers Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼28% 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 Organic Fertiliser Use ▲22% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Water Use ▼14% BCI Farmers ▼22% Profit ▲44% BCI Farmers used less synthetic and more organic fertiliser than Comparison Farmers. Along with Comparison Farmers our Partners we place emphasis in India on the use of manure and other organic inputs to maintain Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) the soil’s organic content.0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 BCI Farmers ▼22% Comparison Farmers

0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5

30 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org INDIA: results 4th HARVEST

Yield (kg lint/ha) BCI Farmers ▲18% Comparison Farmers

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Region where BCI Farmers are located Yield (kg lint/ha) BCI Farmers ▲18% Punjab Comparison Farmers Water Use (m3/h0a) 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Region where BCI Farmers are located ▼14% Rajasthan BCI Farmers Madhya Pradesh Comparison Farmers Punjab 0K 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K Gujarat Water Use (m3/ha) Results for water use are only included for irrigated farms and do not include rain-fed farms in the Maharashtra Orissa BCI Farmers ▼14% Rajasthan calculation. Madhya Pradesh Comparison Farmers Profit (per ha) Telengana 0K 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K Gujarat BCI Farmers ▲44% Andhra Pradesh Comparison Farmers Karnataka Maharashtra Orissa

TelenTgaamnial Nadu Profit (per ha) BCI Farmers ▲44% Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Comparison Farmers Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance BCI Farmers ▼28% ▲22% Yield Tamil Nadu ▲18% Pesticide Use ▼23% ReducedComparison F usearme rs of inputs contributed to a higher profit, on average, for BCI Farmers. The labour Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼28% market is changing0 in India,500 making1 fewer000 workers1500 available2000 for and2500 interested in on-farm work. This Organic Fertiliser Use ▲22% Water Use ▼14% isF eaffectingrtiliser U these (costkg/h aof) labour, which isSy nath esourcetic of concernOrganic for farmers. BPCroIf iFt armers vs Comparison Farmers perform▲4a4n%ce BCI Farmers ▼28% ▲22% Yield ▲18% Pesticide Use ▼23% PCeosmtpiacriisdone F Aarmcetrisve Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼28% 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 Organic Fertiliser Use ▲22% BCI Farmers ▼22% Water Use ▼14% Comparison Farmers Profit ▲44% 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) BCI Farmers ▼22% SUMMARYComparison OF Farm RESULTSers IN INDIA 2013

BCI FARMERS AGAINST0.0 COMPARISON0.5 FARMERS1.0 1.5 Yield 18% Pesticide Use 22% Synthetic Fertiliser Use 28% Organic Fertiliser Use 22% The results presented here were calculated Water Use 14% based on data from 13,345 BCI Farmers and Profit 44% 5,010 Comparison Farmers.

31 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT 32 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org PAKISTAN

Workers unload raw cotton from a truck at a spinning, weaving and denim mill, in Punjab, Pakistan © WWF-UK Asim Hafeez 33 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT PAKISTAN 4th HARVEST

JAN DEC Harvest Sowing Harvest OCT - FEB MAR - JUN OCT - FEB

BETTER COTTON PROJECTS GROWTH 2…2… 260,000 260,000 193,000 193,000 185,000 185,000 157,000 157,000 145,000 145,000 115,000 115,000

Pakistan 59,000 59,000 46,500 46,500 44,000 44,000 39,000 39,000 21,000 21,000 12,000 12,000

BetterBCI Farmers Cotton AreaArea underunder BetterBetter BetterBetter CottonCotton Farmers CottonCotton CultivationCultivation ProducedProduced (MT(MT (ha)(ha) lint)lint) 2010 2011 2012 2013

ORGANISATION 236,000

PRODUCER IMPLEMENTING In 2013, our BCI UNIT PARTNER Implementing Partner 160,000

worked with 96,959146,000 farmers organised into 137,000 2,962 Learning Groups 93,000

and 44 Producer81,000 Units.

46,558 farmers in 47,500 35,000 31,500

Pakistan earned a Better18,000 12,500 Cotton licence. 10,000 Collection of farmers Collection of Learning = Learning Group Groups = Producer Unit Better Cotton Area under Better Cotton Farmers Better Cotton Produced (MT Cultivation (ha) lint)

34 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org PAKISTAN 4th HARVEST

Pakistan is the world’s Pakistan has one of fourth the world’s largest largest irrigation systems and cotton all cotton is producer. irrigated. In a bid to ensure sustained Importantly, Pakistan also growth in the cotton sector, in holds the third largest 2010 the Pakistani government spinning capacity in Asia launched Cotton Vision 2015. (after China and India), with © Better Cotton Initiative This is a drive to boost thousands of ginning and production to 20 million bales spinning units producing “My daughter used to pick textile products from cotton. by 2015, over a 225% increase over the 2010 levels. cotton in the fields or carry water for her father. Now all of my children go to school.”

Aasiya - wife of a cotton farmer. Bahawalpur District, Punjab, Pakistan

Hear more from Aasiya in our country documentary on Pakistan on our website, or click the image above if browsing this report online.

35 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT Yield (kg lint/ha) BCI Farmers ▲15% Comparison Farmers 4th HARVEST PAKISTAN:0 200 40 0 results600 800 1000 Yield per ha

Region where BCI Farmers are located Water Use (m3/ha) BCI Farmers ▼14% Comparison Farmers

0K 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K

Punjab Profit (per ha) Yield (kBgCI lFianrmt/ehrsa) ▲42% Comparison Farmers BCI Farmers ▲15% Sindh Comparison Farmers

Yield (kg lint/ha)0 200 400 600 800 1000 BCI Farmers Yield per ha ▲15% BCIFCeormt piFarmerslairsiseorn FUasrme eachieved r(skg/ha) a 15% higherSynth eyield,tic on average,Organic than Comparison Farmers. This can be BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance attributed to more timely and efficient application of inputs and pest control. Region where BCI Farmers are located BCI Farmers 0 200 ▼17%400 600 8▲0085% 1000 Yield ▲15% Yield per ha Pesticide Use ▼24% WCoamtpearr isUons Fea r(mmer3s /ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼17% 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Organic Fertiliser Use ▲85% BCI Farmers ▼14% RWeagteiron where BCI Farmers are located ▼14% Comparison Farmers Profit ▲42% Water Use (m3/ha0K) 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K PesticidBeCI AFacrmtievrse Ingredient Use (kg/ha) ▼14% Comparison Farmers Punjab BCI Farmers ▼24% Comparison Farmers 0K 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K Profit (per ha) 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 BCI Farmers ▲42% Punjab PestComp pressurearison Farme rins Pakistan during the 2013 season was especially high for sucking pests like thrips Sindh andPro fwhiteit (pe rfly, ha) especially in areas of low rainfall. BCI Farmers demonstrated, on average, 24% less pesticideBC I appliedFarmers than Comparison Farmers. BCI Farmers▲ worked42% closely with our Implementing PartnerComparis ostaff,n Farm ewhors advised on the use of pesticides only when necessary, according to integrated Sindh pest management principles. Synthetic Organic Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance BCI Farmers ▼17% ▲85% Yield ▲15% Pesticide Use ▼24% Comparison Farmers Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼17% Synthetic Organic Fertiliser Use (kg0/ha) 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 BOCrgIa nFica Fremrtielisresr Uvse Comparison Farmers perform▲8a5n%ce Water ▼14% BCI Farmers ▼17% ▲85% YPireolfdit ▲1452% Pesticide Use ▼24% Comparison Farmers Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼17% 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Organic Fertiliser Use ▲85% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Water ▼14% BCI Farmers ▼24% Profit ▲42% BCI Farmers used 17% less synthetic and 85% more organic fertiliser, on average, than Comparison Farmers.Comparison BCIFarm eFarmersrs applied manure to increase soil fertility and water retention. Some followed Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) improved methods0.0 introduced0.5 by our Partners1.0 like applying1.5 manure2.0 with irrigation water. BCI Farmers ▼24% Comparison Farmers

0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0

36 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org PAKISTAN: results 4th HARVEST

Yield (kg lint/ha) BCI Farmers ▲15% Comparison Farmers

0 200 400 600 800 1000 Yield per ha Yield (kg lint/ha) Region where BCI Farmers are located BCI Farmers ▲15% WCoamteparr iUsosne F a(rmme3rs/ha) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 BCI Farmers ▼14% Yield per ha Comparison Farmers

0K 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K Region where BCI Farmers are located AllW acottonter Us cultivatede (m3/ha) in Pakistan is irrigated. BCI Farmers used 14% less water for irrigation than Punjab ComparisonBCI Fa rFarmers.mers In some cases, where they have▼ 1more4% control over water availability with a tubePCromf iwell,pta (ripsoe nrBCI Fharam) eFarmersrs irrigated only after water scouting. Other BCI Farmers, mainly those with relatively large areas of cotton, level their fields. This helps▲ increase42% water efficiency by evening BCI Farmers 0K 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K theCom applicationparison Farme rsof water to all parts of the cultivated land. Sindh Punjab Profit (per ha) BCI Farmers ▲42% Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic Comparison Farmers BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance ▼17% ▲85% Sindh BCI Farmers Yield ▲15% Pesticide Use ▼24% Comparison Farmers Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼17% 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Organic Fertiliser Use ▲85% Prices of inputs were higher in 2013 than the previous year, with prices of phosphate fertilisers Water ▼14% and pesticides increased. Water rates also rose, mainly due to a rise in electricity and diesel Synthetic Organic Profit ▲42% prices.Fertilis Theer U costse (k ofg/ hproductiona) was 10-15% higher than that of the 2012 crop season, but there BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance wasBCI Fnoarm ecorrespondingrs increase ▼in17 cotton% prices. As a result▲85% of higher yields and lower input costs, Yield ▲15% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Pesticide Use ▼24% BCICom Farmersparison Farm eachievedrs a 42% higher profit than Comparison Farmers. BCI Farmers ▼24% Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼17% 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Organic Fertiliser Use ▲85% Comparison Farmers Water ▼14% Profit ▲42% 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0

Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) SUMMARYBC OFI Far mRESULTSers IN PAKISTAN 2013 ▼24% BCIC FARMERSomparison Farm AGAINSTers COMPARISON FARMERS Yield 0.0 15%0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 Pesticide Use 24% Synthetic Fertiliser Use 17% Organic Fertiliser Use 85% The results presented here were calculated Water Use 14% based on data from 5,569 BCI Farmers and 3,163 Profit 42% Comparison Farmers.

37 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT 38 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org TAJIKISTAN

Cotton farmers in Tajikistan © Better Cotton Initiative 39 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT TAJIKISTAN 1st HARVEST

JAN DEC Sowing Harvest APR - MAY SEP - DEC

BETTER COTTON PROJECTS FIRST HARVEST2013 RESULTS 11,000 11,000 10,000 10,000

Tajikistan 680 680

BetterBCI Farmers Cotton Area under Better Better Cotton Farmers Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT (ha) lint) 2013

ORGANISATION 11,000

PRODUCER IMPLEMENTING In 2013, our BCI 10,000 UNIT PARTNER Implementing Partner worked with 675 farmers organised into 54 Learning Groups and 3 Producer Units.

All participating farmers in Tajikistan earned a Better Cotton licence. Collection of farmers Collection of Learning 680 = Learning Group Groups = Producer Unit Better Cotton Area under Better Better Cotton Farmers Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT (ha) lint) 40 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org TAJIKISTAN 1st HARVEST

Cotton production supports more than half of the rural population in 93% of Tajikistan’s Tajikistan. land is mountainous, yet the agricultural sector plays a critical role in its economy.

Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, siginificant liberalisation and partial privatisation has taken place in the cotton sector, including: privatisation of the ginning subsector, liberalisation of input prices, privatisation of financing and marketing of cotton, restructuring of cotton farmlands, and partial privatisation of cotton farms through collective land tenure.

“BCI is an important direction for the future development of cotton production in Tajikistan. BCI teaches our farmers to make rational use of productive resources and increase productivity and product quality.”

BCI Agronomist at Sarob, an agricultural consultancy for cotton producers in Tajikistan and BCI Implementing Partner from 2014. Farmer verfication, Tajikistan © Better Cotton Initiative

41 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT Yield (kg lint/ha) BCI Farmers ▼5% Comparison Farmers

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 Region where BCI Farmers are located TAJIKISTAN: results 1st HARVEST

Water Use (m3/ha) BCI Farmers ▲14% Comparison Farmers

0K 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K 6K Sughd

Profit (per ha) Khatlon BCI Farmers ▲18% YCioemldpa r(iskogn Flainrmte/hrsa) BCI Farmers ▼5% Comparison Farmers

Yield (kg lint/ha)0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 Region where BCI Farmers are located ▼5% FBeCrI tFialirsmerrs Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance BCICom pFarmersarison Farm eachievedrs a similar, although marginally lower, yield when compared to the comparison group.BCI Farmers ▲25% ▼10% Yield ▼5% 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 RPeesgtiicoidne Uwshe ere BCI Farmers are located ▼63% Comparison Farmers Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▲25% Water Use (m3/ha0 ) 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Organic Fertiliser Use ▼10% Water Use ▲14% BCI Farmers ▲14% ▲18% Profit Comparison Farmers Water Use (m3/ha) Pesticide Active 0InK gred1iKent Us2eK (kg/ha3K) 4K 5K 6K Sughd BCI Farmers ▲14% BCI Farmers ▼63% Comparison Farmers Comparison Farmers 0K 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K 6K Sughd Profit (per ha) 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 Khatlon BCIBCI FFarmersarmers applied significantly less pesticide than Comparison▲18% Farmers. Across the country’s northernComparison cotton Farmers producing province in particular, farmers actively practice a tradition of using biological methodsProfit (pe ofr h pesta) control, which includes the use of beneficial insects. BCI’s Partner encourages the Khatlon continuationBCI Farmers of this practice. ▲18% Comparison Farmers

Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance BCI Farmers ▲25% ▼10% Yield ▼5% Pesticide Use ▼63% Comparison Farmers Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▲25% Synthetic Organic Fertiliser Use (kg0/ha) 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 BOCrgIa nFica Fremrtielisresr Uvse Comparison Farmers perform▼1a0n%ce Water Use ▲14% BCI Farmers ▲25% ▼10% Yield ▼5% Perosftitcide Use ▼▲6138%% Comparison Farmers Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▲25% 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Organic Fertiliser Use ▼10% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Water Use ▲14% ▼63% Profit ▲18% BCIBCI FFarmersarmers used more synthetic, but less organic fertiliser. BCI’s Partner identified soil analysis as aC needomparis oandn Far maccordinglyers provided a roving adviser to test soil and advised on more efficient nutrient Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) application. 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 BCI Farmers ▼63% Comparison Farmers

0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35

42 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org TAJIKISTAN: results 1st HARVEST

Yield (kg lint/ha) BCI Farmers ▼5% Comparison Farmers

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 Region where BCI Farmers are located Water Use

Effectively measuring water quantities used for irrigation proved to be challenging in Tajikistan. Reliable data was not available in 2013, the first year of Better Cotton. Raising awareness about theWa timportanceer Use (m3 /andha) effective methods of monitoring the use of water is one of the ongoing activities undertakenBCI Farmers by our Partner. ▲14% Comparison Farmers

0K 1K 2K 3K 4K 5K 6K Sughd

Profit (per ha) Khatlon BCI Farmers ▲18% Comparison Farmers

BCI Farmers were 18% more profitable, on average, than Comparison Farmers. This is attributed to the more appropriate application of pesticides and also takes into account the increased bargaining powerFertilis affordeder Use (k tog/ hfarmersa) that haveSyn thbeenetic organisedOrga nintoic Learning Groups within a Producer Unit. BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance These farmers are able to enter into contract ginning arrangements which provide them with the BCI Farmers ▲25% ▼10% Yield ▼5% opportunity to directly market their own lint, cotton seed and associated by-products. Pesticide Use ▼63% Comparison Farmers Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▲25% 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Organic Fertiliser Use ▼10% Water Use ▲14% Profit ▲18%

Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) SUMMARY OF RESULTS IN TAJIKISTAN 2013 BCI Farmers ▼63% BCI FARMERS AGAINST COMPARISON FARMERS Comparison Farmers Yield 0.00 0.05 5%0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 Pesticide Use 63% Synthetic Fertiliser Use 25% The results presented here were calculated Organic Fertiliser Use 10% based on data from 97 BCI Farmers and 298 Profit 18% Comparison Farmers.

43 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT 44 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org TURKEY

Cotton picking, Mardin, south east Turkey © Orta Anadolu 45 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT TURKEY 1st HARVEST

JAN DEC Sowing Harvest APR - JUN SEP - NOV

BETTER COTTON PROJECTS FIRST HARVEST RESULTS 2013 13,000

Turkey 7,000 280

BCI Farmers Area under Better Better Cotton Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT (ha) lint) 2013

ORGANISATION 11,000

PRODUCER IMPLEMENTING In 2013, BCI’s 10,000 UNIT PARTNER Implementing Partner worked with 310 farmers organised into 7 Producer Units.

278 farmers in Turkey earned a Better Cotton licence.

Collection of farmers 680 = Producer Unit Better Cotton Area under Better Better Cotton Farmers Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT (ha) lint) 46 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org TURKEY 1st HARVEST

““Farmers are happy as they are not just using local practices, but internationally recognised standards.”

Şükran Bayçura, BCI Country Manager,Turkey

Mechanised seeding Izmir, Turkey © Orta Anadolu

2011 Leading actors in the Turkish Cotton Sector approached BCI with the aim of starting production of Better Cotton in Turkey. 2013 After substantial research, preparation of reports, meetings and workshops, it was agreed that the most effective way to start producing Better Cotton in Turkey was to establish a Non-Governmental Organisation to represent multiple stakeholders. As a result, İyi Pamuk Uygulamaları Derneği, or the ‘Good Cotton Practices Association’ (IPUD) was founded in September 2013.

The Turkish Nearly all participating government farmers fall into BCI’s does not medium farm category: currently farms of between permit planting of Climate conditions in 2013 20 and 200 Genetically were advantageous in and are general, contributing to hectares Modified (GM) structurally dependent on cotton. higher yields. hired labour.

47 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT TURKEY: results Yield (kg lint/ha) 1st HARVEST BCI Farmers ▼1% Comparison Farmers

0 500 1000 1500 2000 Country Map

Profit (per ha) BCI Farmers ▲2% Comparison Farmers

Yield (kg lint/ha) Kahramanmaras BCI Farmers ▼1% Sanliurfa Sirnak Aydin Comparison Farmers Adana Synthetic Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Mardin 0 500 1000 1500 2000 Country Map Gaziantep BCI Farmers ▼18% Hatay Comparison Farmers BCI Farmers used, on average, less pesticide and less synthetic fertiliser per hectare than 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Comparison Farmers, but achieved approximately the same yield. Profit (per ha) BCI Farmers ▲2% BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance Comparison Farmers Yield ▼1% Pesticide Use ▼9% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼18% Yield (kg lint/ha) Kahramanmaras BCI Farmers ▼9% Profit ▲2% BCI Farmers ▼1% Sanliurfa Sirnak Comparison Farmers Aydin Comparison Farmers Adana Synthetic Fertilis0er Use (kg1/ha) 2 3 4 Mardin 0 500 1000 1500 2000 Country Map Gaziantep BCI Farmers ▼18% The main pests were lygus bugs (Lygus Helicoverpa armigera Hatay Comparison Farmers spp.) and cotton bollworm ( ), but they did not pose a particularly difficult threat. Turkish BCI Farmers used integrated pest management practices to effectively0 10 0protect200 their300 crop.400 Notable500 6practices00 700 include800 threshold spraying - waiting to applyProfit pesticide(per ha) until there is a high enough threat to require treatment. In some areas, trap crops areBCI alsoFarme rused.s ▲2% BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance Comparison Farmers Yield ▼1% Pesticide Use ▼9% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼18% Kahramanmaras BCI Farmers ▼9% Profit ▲2% Sanliurfa Sirnak Comparison Farmers Aydin Adana Synthetic Fertilis0er Use (kg1/ha) 2 3 4 Mardin Gaziantep BCI Farmers ▼18% Hatay Comparison Farmers

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

BCI Farmers used less synthetic fertiliser, on average, than Comparison Farmers.

BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance Yield ▼1% Pesticide Use ▼9% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼18% BCI Farmers ▼9% Profit ▲2% Comparison Farmers

0 1 2 3 4 48 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org TURKEY: results 1st HARVEST

Water Use

Effectively measuring water quantities used for irrigation proved to be challenging in Turkey. Reliable data was not available in 2013, the first year of Better Cotton. Raising awareness about theYie limportanced (kg lint/h aand) effective methods of monitoring the use of water is one of the ongoing activities undertakenBCI Farmers by our Partner, IPUD. ▼1% Comparison Farmers

0 500 1000 1500 2000 Country Map

Profit (per ha) BCI Farmers ▲2% Comparison Farmers

Kahramanmaras BCI Farmers reported slightly higher profitability than the Comparison Farmers. Collecting consistent Sanliurfa Sirnak data on costs is an area of improvement for the next season, as use of less pesticide and synthetic Aydin Adana fertiliserSynthet inormallyc Fertilis woulder Use have (kg/h aa )positive effect on net revenue. Increased costs of diesel fuel (11%) Mardin used to run farm machinery and irrigation systems, and fertilisers (9%) in the last year had an Gaziantep BCI Farmers ▼18% adverse effect on farmer profitability in general. Pesticide costs also increased between 1% and 2%. Hatay Comparison Farmers

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance Yield ▼1% SUMMARY OF RESULTS IN TURKEY 2013 Pesticide Use ▼9% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼18% BCI FARMERS AGAINST COMPARISON FARMERS BCI Farmers ▼9% Profit ▲2% The results presented here were calculated YieldComparison Farmers 1% based on data from 165 BCI and 61 Comparison Pesticide Use 0 1 2 3 4 9% Farmers. Some data was excluded from the Synthetic Fertiliser Use 18% analysis because no comparison data was Profit 2% available. Therefore the results shown here represent 59% of BCI Farmers in Turkey.

49 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT 50 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org MALI

Lassina, a BCI Farmer in Belesso village, Mali © Better Cotton Initiative 51 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT MALI 4th HARVEST

JAN DEC Sowing Harvest MAY - JUL OCT - DEC

BETTER COTTON PROJECTS GROWTH 2010 2011 2012 2013 86,000 86,000 61,000 61,000 Mali Mali 35,000 35,000 33,000 33,000 32,000 32,000 24,000 24,000 20,500 20,500 12,500 12,500 10,500 10,000 10,500 10,000 3,600 3,300 3,600 3,300

BetterBCI Farmers Cotton Area under Better Better Cotton Farmers Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT (ha) lint) 2010 2011 2012 2013

ORGANISATION 86,000 PRODUCER IMPLEMENTING In 2013, 2 BCI UNIT PARTNERS Implementing Partners worked with 32,78861,000 farmers organised into 1,383 Learning Groups and

10 Producer Units. 35,000 33,000 32,000

All participating farmers 24,000 20,500 in Mali earned a Better 12,500

Collection of farmers 10,500 Collection of Learning Cotton10,000 licence. = Learning Group Groups = Producer Unit 3,600 3,300

Better Cotton Area under Better Better Cotton Farmers Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT (ha) lint) 52 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org MALI 4th HARVEST

of rural 40% households OR

2.5m people depend on cotton for The late start and early their livelihoods. finish of the rainy season in 2013 made the climate less It is the 2nd largest © Better Cotton Initiative favourable for growing source of Mali’s foreign cotton, meaning lower exchange earnings. “Since starting the Better overall production. Cotton program we have significantly reduced Since the Malian government started actively promoting cotton our pesticide use, which production in 1995 as an alternative cash crop, production has increases our profits and steadily increased making Mali the second largest cotton producer is better for our health and on the African continent. our environment.”

Drissa Coulibaly, one of over 32,000 BCI Farmers in Mali

1 third of Mali’s cultivated Lassina (on the cover page of this section) and his colleagues in land is used to the field were interviewed for our documentary on Mali. Watch the video on our website or click above if browsing online. grow cotton.

53 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT MALI: results 4th HARVEST Yield (kg lint/ha) BCI Farmers ▲8% Comparison Farmers

0 100 200 300 400 500 Region where BCI Farmers are located

Profit (per ha) BCI Farmers ▲14% Comparison Farmers

Yield (kg lint/ha) BCI Farmers ▲8% Comparison Farmers Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic 0 100 200 300 400 500 Region where BSCéI Fgaorumers are located BCI Farmers ▲46% Comparison Farmers A modest but notable improvement of 8% was observed between BCI Farmers and Comparison 0K 1K 2K 3K 4K Sikasso Farmers,Yield (kg yetlint /lessha) pesticide applied. Due in large part to the adverse rain conditions, yields were lower than expected. PBrCoI fFiatr m(peresr ha) ▲8% BCComI Fpaarrmiseorns Farmers ▲14% Comparison Farmers BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance 0 100 200 300 400 500 Region where BCI Farmers are located Yield ▲8% Pesticide Use ▼55% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼2% BCI Farmers ▼55% Organic Fertiliser Use ▲46% Profit ▲14% Comparison Farmers Profit (per ha) Fertiliser Use (kg0/.h00a) 0.05 0.10Syntheti0c.15 0.20 Organ0ic.25 0.30 BCI Farmers ▲14% Ségou BCI Farmers ▲46% WhiteCompa rflyison Fawasrmer s a challenge in some areas in 2013. BCI Farmers applied 60% less active ingredient, onCo maverage,parison Farm thaners comparison group farmers. 0K 1K 2K 3K 4K Sikasso

Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance BCI Farmers ▲46% Yield Ségou ▲8% Pesticide Use ▼55% PCeosmtpiacriisdone F Aarmcetirsve Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼2% BCI Farmers ▼55% Organic Fertiliser Use ▲46% 0K 1K 2K 3K 4K Profit Sikasso ▲14% Comparison Farmers

BCI Farmers used0. 054%0 0 .0more5 0organic.10 0 .fertiliser,15 0.2 0on average,0.25 0 .than30 Comparison Farmers. This is an exciting result, as raising awareness about the longer-term benefits of using farmyard manure for BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance improved soil health has been an area of focus for us. Not only have our Partners raised awareness, Yield ▲8% but they have supported techniques to increase production and collection of manure. This has Pesticide Use ▼55% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼2% helped lead to an increase of 50% more organic fertiliser, on average, applied by BCI Farmers in BCI Farmers ▼55% Organic Fertiliser Use ▲46% Mali compared to the previous season. Profit ▲14% Comparison Farmers

0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30

54 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org MALI: results 4th HARVEST

Water Use

Cotton is grown as a rain-fed crop in Mali and so farmers do not record the use of water. However, BCI Farmers still maximise available water by using a variety of techniques adapted to rain-fed cottonYield ( kproductiong lint/ha) such as dry ploughing, partition ploughing and ploughing parallel to the contour line.BCI Farmers ▲8% Comparison Farmers

0 100 200 300 400 500 Region where BCI Farmers are located

Profit (per ha) BCI Farmers ▲14% Comparison Farmers

A reduction in pesticides used contributed to a higher profit for BCI Farmers.

Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic Ségou BCI Farmers ▲46% Comparison Farmers

0K 1K 2K 3K 4K Sikasso

BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance SUMMARY OF RESULTS IN MALI 2013 BCI FARMERS AGAINST COMPARISON FARMERS Yield ▲8% Pesticide Use ▼55% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▼2% YieldBCI Farmers 8% ▼55% The results presented here were calculated Organic Fertiliser Use ▲46% Profit ▲14% PesticideCompariso Usen Farmers 55% based on data from 2,702 BCI Farmers and 899 Synthetic Fertiliser 0Use.00 0.05 2%0.10 0.15 0.20 Comparison0.25 0.30 Farmers. Some data was excluded from the analysis due to incomplete data provided Organic Fertiliser Use 46% by a group of farmers. Therefore the results shown Profit 14% here represent 82% of BCI Farmers in Mali.

55 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT CHANGE IN MALI 4th HARVEST 2013 Independent Case Study

Yield (kg lint/ha) BCI Farmers ▲9% Comparison Farmers

0 100 200 300 400 500 Region where BCI Farmers are located These results were calculated from data collected during the independent 208 BCI Farmers took case study in Mali. As part of the study, we commissioned researchers or consultants to collect a sample of data from both BCI and Comparison part in the Mali case Profit (per ha) Farmers and compared it to that self-reported by our Partners. In Mali, the study in 2013, 55% of resultsBCI Fa rtrendsmers match, giving us confidence that our data is reliable.▲14% whom are literate. Comparison Farmers

116 Comparison Farmers also took part in the case study, Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic allowing us to show YBiCeI lFda r(mkegrs lint/ha) ▲98% comparative results CBoCmI Fparmisoenrs Farmers ▲9% Compariison Farmers 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 Sikasindicatorsso between 0 100 200 300 400 500 Region where BCI Farmers are locathoseted farmers who apply the Better BCI Farmers vs Comparison FarmeCottonrs perfo rStandard,mance and Yield ▲9% Pesticide Use those do▼ 3not.3% Perosftiitc (idpe rA hcat)ive Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▲4% BCIII FFaarrmeerrss ▼33% ▲14% Organic Fertiliser Use ▲91% Profit ▲14% Coomppaarriiissoonn FFaarrmeerrss

0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5

BCI Farmers Literacy Rate in the Case Study Yield (kg lint/ha) 55.29% Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Syntthettiic Organiic BCI Farmers ▲9% BCII Farrmerrs ▲98% Comparison Farmers Comparriison Farrmerrs Number of Farmers in the Case Study 0 100 200 300 400 500 Region where BCI Farmers are located 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 BCI Farmers SikaCsomspoarison Farmers 208 116

BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance Profit (per ha) Yiielld ▲9% BCI Farmers ▲14% Pestiiciide Use ▼33% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetiic Fertiilliiser Use ▲4% Comparison Farmers BCII Farmers ▼33% Organiic Fertiilliiser Use ▲91% Profiit ▲14% Compariison Farmers

0..0 0..1 0..2 0..3 0..4 0..5

BCI Farmers Literacy Rate in the Case Study Fertiliser Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Organic BCI Farmers ▲98% 55..29% 56 Comparison Farmers 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 Number of Farmers in the CaSseik Satsusdoy BCII Farmers Compariison Farmers 208 116 BCI Farmers vs Comparison Farmers performance Yield ▲9% Pesticide Use ▼33% Pesticide Active Ingredient Use (kg/ha) Synthetic Fertiliser Use ▲4% BCI Farmers ▼33% Organic Fertiliser Use ▲91% Profit ▲14% Comparison Farmers

0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5

BCI Farmers Literacy Rate in the Case Study 55.29%

Number of Farmers in the Case Study BCI Farmers Comparison Farmers 208 116 CHANGE IN MALI 4th HARVEST 2013 Independent Case Study

In 2013, we asked farmers in Mali: What is the most significant change you have seen since you became part of the Better Cotton movement?

Each shape below reflects an answer given by a farmer. The farmers then ranked these in order of how important they felt each was, giving us a clear qualitative picture of the ‘Most Significant Change’ which Better Cotton is bringing to farmers.

Sheet 1 Social changes More children Economic educated due to More Children Educated Due to changes Llessess Invo linvolvementvement in Hard Farmin g Activities in hard farming activities. Production Production Costs costsReduc ed reduced Community Knowledge Knowledge on Community and Social Links of farming Farming Techniques and Ssocialtrengthene dlinks strengthened techniquesIncreased increased

Quality of cotton Quality of Cotton Improved improved Yields improvedYields Improved Less pesticide- relatedLess Pesticid e illnessRelated Illness

I joined BCI in 2012, and Since we started BCI Through BCI, we’ve learned “my cotton yield has steadily and “four seasons ago, the quality “how to handle pesticides with significantly increased. In 2011 of our cotton has improved much more professionalism. (the season before I joined), I tremendously. For example: using a scarf to had 1.2 tonnes per hectare, and ”Amadou Kone work out the wind direction, in 2012 I had 1.8 tonnes per wearing a specific outfit, and hectare. This year, I produced 2 Since starting work with using licensed products. tonnes per hectare. “BCI in this village, women are Those aged under 18 years Madou” Coulibaly better treated by men. Women old are now excluded from even attend meetings and make handling pesticides. From this decisions together with men. perspective, health conditions have really improved. ” Miriam Sanogo Issa” Kane

57 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT 58 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org MOZAMBIQUE

A Better Cotton farm worker, Mozambique © Better Cotton Initiative 59 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT MOZAMBIQUE 1st HARVEST

JAN DEC Sowing Harvest Sowing NOV - FEB JUL - AUG NOV - FEB

BETTER COTTON PROJECTS FIRST HARVEST RESULTS 20132013 6,300 6,300 6,000 6,000 1,300 1,300

Mozambique

BCIBetter Farmers Cotton AreaArea underunder BetterBetter BetterBetter CottonCotton Farmers CottonCotton CultivationCultivation ProducedProduced (MT(MT (ha)(ha) lint)lint)

2013 6,300

ORGANISATION 6,000 STRATEGIC In 2013, BCI’s Strategic LEARNING GROUP PARTNER Partner and Implementing Partner worked with 9,642 farmers organised into 367 Learning Groups. 6,342 farmers in Mozambique earned a Better Cotton licence. 1,300 IMPLEMENTING PARTNER BCI’s Strategic Partner Collection of farmers Cotton made in Africa also Better Cotton Area under Better Better Cotton = Learning Group worked with farmers in Farmers Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT Mozambique in 2013. (ha) lint)

60 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org MOZAMBIQUE 1st HARVEST 1st HARVEST

Cotton is the most important agricultural export crop, and one of the major sources of income for rural households in central and northern Mozambique. Most farmers cultivate less than one hectare of cotton.

RESULTS ANALYSIS 2013 was the first Better Cotton harvest in Mozambique. Capacity to keep accurate records of farm inputs and costs is not sufficiently strengthened yet in Mozambique, so together with our Partners we are working with Producer Units so that farm- level results can be shared next season.

SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES © Better Cotton Initiative » Pest Management Major pests were sucking pests, aphids and jasids, early in the season. Mid-season, farmers faced multiple “In the training, I learned species of bollworm, including the pink bollworm, which is the about the risks of using most problematic. It requires destroying the remaining stalks and unharvested bolls at the end of the season to prevent re- and handling pesticides, infestation the following year. To reduce risk to human health and and the danger to pregnant pollution caused by applying harmful chemicals on the fields, our and nursing women and Partners train farmers on the full integrated pest management children.” approach. This approach includes moving away from calendar spraying to threshold spraying, and strategies to ensure the Angela Anthony, BCI Farmer, Maratane community, Mozambique plants are as strong as possible at key moments of pest pressure such as early planting.

» Prevention of Soil Erosion In some areas of Mozambique cotton is cultivated on sloping land prone to soil erosion. Our Partners are therefore training producers on conservation farming, including mulching of various types. One method is to cut a certain weed and put the cuttings on the field between cotton rows. This minimises land drift when it rains. Another method is contouring with vetiver grass to prevent rain run-off and soil erosion.

» Protection of Water Sources Along with our Partners, we identified the protection of water sources from pesticide pollution as a key issue to address. In the cotton-growing area of the country, farmers mix pesticides with water at water sources, putting those sources at direct risk of contamination. Farmers are trained to mix their pesticide solutions away from water sources as well as to carry out cleaning immediately after spraying in locations away from water sources to avoid contamination.

61 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT 62 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org BENCHMARKED STANDARDS

Cotton being weighed, Turkey © Orta Anadolu 63 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT WHAT DO WE MEAN BY ‘BENCHMARKING’? Responsável” / Responsible Brazilian Cotton) , with the Better Cotton Standard. Benchmarking refers to a process of comparison of one organisation’s policies and practices with those As a result, the cotton grown under the ABR of similar organisations in the same field. Within standard qualifies as Better Cotton and can flow the field of sustainability initiatives, it tends to refer into the supply chain to meet the demand of leading to comparing standards or systems with a view to retailer and brand members of BCI. identifying gaps between them. We also benchmarked the Better Cotton Standard The Better Cotton Standard covers a number with the “Cotton made in Africa” (CmiA), and of dimensions, both normative (setting and “Smallholder Cotton Standard” (SCS) of Aid by implementing standards) and procedural (how Trade Foundation (AbTF), in order to sell Cotton things are done). So for us, the benchmarking made in Africa and SCS cotton as Better Cotton to process needs to pay careful attention to comparison BCI members. of standards, but also needs to look further - to the way in which BCI and the entity or initiative in At the time of publishing, we have also successfully question make decisions, enable improvement of aligned the Better Cotton Standard and myBMP farmer performance, judge compliance, evaluate (My Best Management Practice): the Australian impact and collect data, finance themselves, and cotton industry’s standard for growing cotton in an track product through the supply chain. environmentally and ethically responsible way. This means that cotton produced under the Australian We expect that this process is undertaken by myBMP certification can be sold into the global an independent, competent third party. The market as Better Cotton. benchmarking exercise needs to provide practical recommendations to us and the other entity or REPORTING ON RESULTS INDICATORS IN A initiative so that, where necessary, amendments can BENCHMARKING CONTEXT be agreed which allow us to recognise an existing standard or programme as delivering Better Cotton: Reporting on Results Indicators is fully integrated so-called ‘one-way recognition’. into the Better Cotton requirements to ensure that sustainability improvements are measured WHEN IS A BENCHMARKING PROCESS everywhere Better Cotton is produced. We also NEEDED? develop results monitoring and data sharing agreements with the other standards and programs A benchmarking process with the Better Cotton with which we have benchmarking agreements Standard System needs to be undertaken whenever whose verified or certified product can be sold as a national standard for sustainable cotton production Better Cotton. We believe it important to harmonise is present and publicly available in a country or efforts on a set of common indicators so that our whenever any organisation wishing to partner with measurement of results and impact in the future can us already has such a standard/program in place. be coherent across cotton sustainability initiatives Benchmarking the Better Cotton Standard System with which we partner. with other existing standards/programs in order to define a one-way recognition system for cotton With this approach, we engage in joint results grown by individual farmers, in a specific area or monitoring and learning with these standards under a specific project, can be an effective way and programs while allowing them to publicly to mainstream sustainability in cotton production, communicate on their results in the manner and by building on existing knowledge and activities timescale they choose. This is why we only present through meaningful partnerships. our global indicators - BCI Farmers, hactares under Better Cotton cultivation, and MT lint of WHERE DO WE WORK IN A BENCHMARKING Better Cotton - for benchmarked standards in this CONTEXT? report. We wanted instead to share an update on the exciting progress made in our partnership and In 2013 BCI and ABRAPA (Associação Brasileira developments during the 2013 season. dos Produtores de Algodão) successfully concluded a benchmarking exercise, leading to the alignment of ABRAPA’s own ABR program (“Algodão Brasileira

64 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org ALGODÃO BRASILEIRO RESPONSÁVEL (ABR), BRAZIL

Ze Brasil, Better Cotton smallholder farmer, Brazil © Better Cotton Initiative 65 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT ABR, BRAZIL 3rd HARVEST

JAN DEC Sowing Harvest Sowing NOV - FEB APR - SEP NOV - FEB

BETTER COTTON PROJECTS GROWTH 2011 2012 2013 321,000 295,000 Brazil 210,000 188,000 39,000 27,000 130 107 50

BCI Farmers Area under Better Better Cotton Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT (ha) lint) 2011 2012 2013

ORGANISATION 361,000 In 2013, BCI’s

PRODUCER 295,000 UNIT Strategic Partner and Implementing Partner,

ABRAPA,worked with 215,000 210,000 137 farmers organised into 4 Learning Groups and 5 Producer Units.

131 farmers in Brazil

earned a Better Cotton 39,000 27,000 131 107 Collection of farmers Collection of Learning licence. 50 = Learning Group Groups = Producer Unit Better Cotton Area under Better Better Cotton Farmers Cotton Cultivation Produced (MT (ha) lint) 66 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org ABR, BRAZIL 3rd HARVEST

2013 was a period of transition for the Brazilian The fifth largest cotton producer in the world, the Better Cotton harvest, with a benchmarking fourth largest exporting country and the first in agreement completed in early 2014. Therefore non-irrigated/rain-fed cotton productivity; Brazil is Brazil has been included here and will be in future now also becoming one of the leading production reports as a benchmarked standard, reflecting our geographies for Better Cotton, together with partnership agreement. Pakistan and Cotton made in Africa. At the time of writing, our estimate is that 45% of global Better We have worked with ABRAPA, the Brazilian Cotton Cotton production will come from Brazil in 2014. Growers Association, as Implementing Partner in Brazil since 2010 and as a Strategic Partner The BCI-ABRAPA partnership creates a platform for since early 2014. ABRAPA’s ‘Algodao Brasileiro the exchange of views, ideas and issues of special Responsavel’ (ABR) standard fully satisfies interest to both parties, such as effective approaches the Better Cotton Standard. All ABR compliant to delivering integrated pest management to farmers, producers can choose to sell their cotton as Better and the development of systems to connect supply Cotton. with demand as well as assess impacts.

ABRAPA intends to make the Brazilian cotton The embedding of ABR-Better Cotton sustainability sector increasingly competitive and recognised for standards into Brazilian national cotton governance its quality, on both the national and international structures is a viable long term goal. levels. Today ABRAPA represents 99% of cotton farmland, 99% of cotton production, and 100% of cotton exports in Brazil.

“What is sustainability? I think sustainability is the knowledge to sustain our lives and our families.”

Ze Brasil, BCI Farmer in Catuti county, Brazil

Hear more from Ze and other BCI farmers in Brazil in our country documentary, found on our website or click on the image if browsing online. Cotton pickers © ABRAPA

67 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT 68 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org COTTON MADE IN AFRICA (CmiA) and SMALLHOLDER COTTON STANDARD (SCS)

© Paul Hahn for Aid by Trade Foundation 69 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT COTTON MADE IN AFRICA

Following three years of collaboration, in 2013 we completed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Aid by Trade Foundation, stewards of the Cotton made in Africa initiative. Having aligned the criteria of our respective standards we have established one- way recognition of CmiA cotton as Better Cotton. This means that textile companies can now procure cotton produced under the Cotton made in Africa program and declare it as Better Cotton.

At the time of writing, more than 660,000 smallholder farmers in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Burkina Faso participate in the CmiA and SCS programs. As CmiA’s reach expands, so do the global volumes of Better Cotton, providing a more secure future for the cotton sector as a whole and taking us one step closer to making more sustainable cotton a mainstream commodity. As a joint effort, it provides textile companies and traders with access to responsibly-produced cotton while also improving the productivity and practices of hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. 2013 700,000 As well as increasing the sales of responsibly- 600,000 600,000 produced African cotton on the world market600,000 and the economic and environmental sustainability of smallholder farmers, the AbTF-BCI partnership500,000 aims to improve the living conditions of the cotton 440,000 farmers and their families. 400,000

300,000 Three working groups have been put in place to develop common solutions for issues such as 155,000 200,000 155,000 child labour, integrated pest management, and cotton supply-and-demand system optimisation.100,000

In addition, resources generated through this joint 440 effort will be invested in improving the livelihoods of0 African smallholder farmers. Farmers Area under Cotton Produced cultivation (ha) (MT lint) 2013

700,000 600,000 70 600,000 2013 HARVEST REPORT 500,000 www.bettercotton.org

400,000

300,000

200,000 155,000

100,000 440 0 Farmers Area under Cotton Produced cultivation (ha) (MT lint) COTTON MADE IN AFRICA

In 2013, CmiA and SCS cotton was The AbTF-BCI produced in: partnership Burkina Faso improves market linkage between Côte d’Ivoire African smallholders and global Ghana brands and retailers.

Zambia The partnership reaches over Malawi smallholder farmers in Mozambique 660,000 Sub-Saharan African countries. Zimbabwe 8

“Thanks to the close collaboration between Aid by Trade Foundation and BCI, participating smallholder farmers benefit through better market access and assistance, and the textile industry benefits through better availability of more sustainably produced cotton.”

Christoph Kaut, Managing Director of the Aid by Trade Foundation © Paul Hahn for Aid by Trade Foundation

71 www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT 72 2013 HARVEST REPORT www.bettercotton.org Making cotton bales at a ginning factory, Punjab, Pakistan © WWF-UK Asim Hafeez www.bettercotton.org 2013 HARVEST REPORT Better Cotton Initiative

HEAD OFFICE Rue des Asters 22 1202 Genève Switzerland +41 (0) 22 93 91 250

Cover Image: Cotton plant, Mozambique © Better Cotton Initiative

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