‘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.
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Project announcements
Woolworths spearheading South Africa's own organic cotton industry
Since introducing South Africa’s first clothing made from 100% organic cotton in 2004, Woolworths has been spearheading initiatives to establish a local pipeline for organic cotton. Their efforts have now borne fruit, as this summer sees the planting of South Africa’s first commercial scale trial crop of organic cotton. read more...
This announcement is linked to the following event
SA's First Organic Cotton Harvest on the Go
Since introducing South Africa’s first clothing made from 100% organic cotton in 2004, Woolworths has spearheaded initiatives to establish a local pipeline for organic cotton. These efforts have now borne fruit, as South Africa’s very first commercial-scale organic cotton crop is now being harvested in Limpopo. Soon it will be spun, dyed, knitted or woven into cloth and will make its way to Woolworths in items ranging from t-shirts to towels. read more...
This announcement is linked to the following event
Organic cotton now grown commercially
The first organic cotton planted on a commercial scale was harvested on 29 May at the Hanneline farm in Limpopo. Woolworths, in cooperation with ComMark, Cotton SA, the Organic Exchange and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC's) Institute for Industrial Crops, had established this project in 2004 to produce clothing made from 100% organic cotton.
This announcement is linked to the following event
South African Organic Cotton Field Day
The purpose of the pilot project on organic cotton farming in South Africa is to facilitate the development of commercial scale organic cotton farming in South Africa by 2010. read more...
This announcement is linked to the following event
Woolworths - Responsible Retailer of the Year
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