ICAC’s 82nd meeting in Tashkent ends with final statement

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)’s 82nd Plenary Meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan ended successfully from September 30 to October 3, 2024, brought together 460 delegates from 15 member governments, nine international organizations, and seven non-member countries. A key focus of the meeting was fostering global partnerships to drive innovation within the cotton and textile value chains. The ICAC highlighted the importance of strengthening collaborative efforts across the entire sector.

The executive director's report presented a comprehensive overview of the ICAC's achievements and future plans. This included updates on agricultural development projects, sustainability initiatives, and policy engagement. A significant emphasis was placed on the need for cotton-producing countries to add value to their crops by developing robust textile value chains. This shift, the committee argued, could unlock substantial economic potential and create numerous jobs.

The plenary also delved into the transformative potential of gene editing in cotton farming. Discussions focused on how advanced technologies like CRISPR and RNA interference could help address climate change challenges and enhance the resilience of cotton farming practices. In terms of global market trends, the ICAC noted a decline in cotton production coupled with rising consumption. This imbalance, coupled with potential weak demand, could lead to an increase in cotton stocks.

Other topics explored during the meeting included the role of cotton in mitigating climate change through regenerative farming practices, the importance of increased transparency and traceability in the cotton supply chain, and the need to empower women in cotton farming. The ICAC also stressed the significance of robust data collection to build trust within the industry. The next plenary meeting is scheduled to take place in Tanzania in November 2025.