BASF gathers sustainable cotton farmers for UN roundtable

BASF, a leader in agricultural solutions, recently organized a UN roundtable discussion titled ‘United for the Biggest Job on Earth’ on September 12. The focus was on meeting the growing demand for sustainably grown cotton. They emphasized that true sustainable sourcing of natural fibers can be a complex task. To ensure farmer voices were heard and supported, a global delegation of sustainable cotton farmers from Greece and the US was brought together.

Ray Daniels, BASF seed sustainability manager, expressed the dedication of BASF towards creating a better future for cotton production and the textile industry. They acknowledged that cotton farmers play a critical role in sustainable production. BASF provided an international platform for farmers to share their ideas on how agriculture can meet the needs of present and future generations by considering profitability, environmental health, and social and economic equity.

BASF highlighted that farmers in cotton-producing regions like the US and Europe have adopted sustainable practices to reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and decrease excess nitrogen use. They emphasized that the textile industry’s renewed focus on these practices offers an opportunity for farmers to showcase their inherent sustainability during the UN roundtable.

Gustavo Palerosi Carneiro, BASF Agricultural Solutions EMEA & CIS vice president, stressed the importance of agriculture in our lives and how it’s undergoing significant changes. He emphasized the challenging role of farmers in balancing increased productivity, environmental protection, and societal value.

BASF is actively supporting US cotton production through its e3 Sustainable Cotton program and in Europe through its Certified Sustainable FiberMax program. These initiatives aim to provide field-level traceability for cotton and a way for farmers to track and measure the environmental and social impacts of their cotton production.