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Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) exists to make global cotton production better for those who produce cotton. It also aims to provide a better environment for the cotton to be grown in and altogether better for the industry's future. BCI has been created as a response to the impact the cotton industry has had and still have in the world today. The initiative wants to contribute to measurable improvements in cotton production, social and environmental impact in order to make production more sustainable from an environmental, social and economic perspective.
Target
BCI has set up six long-term goals for its business: 1. Demonstrate the benefits of producing more cotton, especially the financial profitability for growers. The second is to reduce the impact of the use of water and pesticides have on the environment and human health. The third aims to improve soil quality and biodiversity. The fourth is about the promotion of acceptable working conditions for farm communities and workers in the cotton plantations. The fifth talks about facilitating a global exchange of knowledge concerning sustainable production of cotton. The sixth concerns traceability through the value chain for cotton production.
Approach
BCI's approach is to develop a market for the commodity "better cotton" which is geared towards reducing the global impact on the environment, economy and social issues. The work includes giving cotton farmers the possibility to grow and sell so-called better cotton. This is achieved by reducing the harmful impact of plant protection practice, have an efficient use of water, showing concern towards the land, preserving natural habitats, protect high fiber quality, advocating acceptable working conditions and to participate more effectively in the supply chain to meet the growing demand for better cotton. To ensure that the BCI have maximum effect on a global scale it focuses its initiative to improve cotton that will be grown by as many farmers as possible, regardless of geographic location. To provide a comprehensive support and involvement in the production of better cotton BCI welcomes collaboration with organizations with an interest in the cotton value chain and to support BCI's work. It is considered of great importance to cooperate with similar initiatives that together manage to achieve a more sustainable production of cotton worldwide. To ensure that cotton farmers receive the support they need to grow more cotton BCI works to build the capacity of farmers and field workers. It also seeks to increase farmers' economic profits through increased productivity and improved fiber quality. The work of the BCI is driven by long-term strategies based on the continuous improvement of the cotton value chain. BCI is committed to measure and communicate the impact of better cotton and that it is better for the environment and people, so that all stakeholders can learn from the results. Initiative's values mean respecting all applicable laws, compliance with good practice and that it should be transparent with all its activities in the environmental, economic and social issues.