Better Cotton extends partnership with Israel’s Cotton Board for another year

Better Cotton has renewed its standard recognition agreement with the Israel Cotton Production and Marketing Board (ICB) for another year. The ICB, a farmer-owned cooperative, representing cotton growers across Israel, has partnered with Better Cotton since 2020.

The Israel Cotton Production Standard System (ICPSS), managed by ICB, is recognised as equivalent to the Better Cotton Standard System (BCSS). This recognition enables Israeli farmers to market their cotton internationally as ‘Better Cotton.’

During the 2022-23 season, 80 ICPSS-certified farmers produced over 17,300 metric tons of Better Cotton, accounting for 99 per cent of Israel’s total cotton production. Despite its small scale, Israel’s cotton sector is globally acclaimed for innovations in seed varieties, advanced technology, and improved crop quality and yields.

The ICPSS is preparing to align with Better Cotton’s updated Principles & Criteria (P&C) v30, with full implementation scheduled for the 2025/26 season. Better Cotton ensures regular assessments of partner standards to maintain alignment with its mission of supporting sustainable cotton farming worldwide.