The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has strengthened its collaboration with agricultural technology company Avalo to develop climate-resilient cotton varieties. Avalo operates an AI-based plant breeding platform and is working with BCI and its network of cotton growers in the US to develop seed varieties that require less water and fertiliser.

By developing its own plant genetics, Avalo aims to reduce the time needed to create new varieties suited to local growing conditions. This could help cotton producers respond more quickly to changing climate conditions.

The company has begun working with several BCI-certified farms in the Texas High Plains to plant its cotton varieties. The initiative includes a partnership with Quarterway Cotton Growers, a long-standing BCI programme partner in the US.