Better Cotton and Uzbekistan partner to boost sustainable cotton

Better Cotton has partnered Uzbekistan’s agricultural and textile authorities on a strategic roadmap to enhance sustainable cotton production under the Better Cotton Program. This follows Better Cotton’s launch in Uzbekistan in December 2022, after the International Labour Organization (ILO) confirmed the eradication of systemic child and forced labor in the country’s cotton sector.

The roadmap aims to streamline farmer enrolment, expand field support, and attract investment through grants and subsidies. Its three key objectives include aligning partnership responsibilities, promoting sustainable farming practices through stakeholder cooperation, and addressing barriers to scaling the program.

Uzbekistan, the world’s 7th largest cotton producer, contributes 3 per cent of global output for the 2023/2024 cycle. The country’s cotton clusters, which vertically integrate cultivation, harvesting, and processing, make it a unique player in the industry.

A priority of the partnership is training the Ministry of Agriculture and Uztekstilprom to enable them to lead the program effectively. Better Cotton will also strengthen assurance processes, reduce audit burdens, and enhance data management. Collaborators will work to showcase the value of processing Physical Better Cotton, ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain. This initiative marks a significant step in advancing sustainable cotton farming and improving supply chain practices in Uzbekistan.