Conservation Cotton in Madagascar: creating a triple bottom line with benefits for communities, the economy and the environment

‘Global sales in organic cotton fibre products topped US$2-billion in 2007. Meeting the demand for organic fibre holds out a real opportunity for both conventional and small-scale farmers throughout the region.’
Developing the region’s value chains for organic cotton products will help give textiles and apparel a competitive edge. Growing cotton without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides helps to preserve the landscape and biodiversity while reducing farmers’ requirements for costly inputs. ComMark is providing funding to develop the knowledge, skills and training for organic cotton production in South Africa, Madagascar, Uganda and Zambia.