Organic cotton: measures taken to encourage market growth

The global market for organic cotton has been growing substantially in recent years, but still accounts for only a fraction of total cotton output. This growth has been driven largely by retailers who have pledged a commitment to the use of organic cotton and by organisations which are implementing organic farming initiatives in the developing world.

THE ORGANIC EXCHANGE

According to a report by the Organic Exchange (OE)—a USA-based charitable organisation which is committed to expanding organic agriculture—the amount of organic cotton produced worldwide increased by 53% from 2005/06 to 2006/07. Furthermore, the OE has forecast global organic cotton production to soar by 25-55% in 2007/08. Growth will be driven by continued high demand for organic cotton fibre.