Better Cotton Initiative to host annual conference

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is set to host its annual conference from June 26-27 in Türkiye, gathering over 200 representatives from across the cotton sector. The event will feature organizations from various fields, providing insights and fostering discussions.

This year’s conference, themed ‘Accelerating Impact,’ will emphasize four key areas: prioritizing people, driving field-level change, understanding policy and industry trends, and reporting on data and traceability. Sessions will delve into pressing issues such as regenerative agriculture, decent work across the supply chain, traceability, and sustainability legislation. Antonie Fountain, managing director at Voice Network, will host the conference, featuring keynote speeches from diverse global experts.

The conference will also include networking opportunities, such as a dinner event and the Better Cotton Member Awards on a Bosphorus cruise on June 26, showcasing Istanbul’s historical sights. The event will highlight participation from Better Cotton Farmers from Türkiye, India, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and the US, facilitating direct engagement with farming communities.

Topics like social aspects of cotton farming, women’s empowerment, farmer financing, and the impact of carbon markets will be discussed, along with the evolving legislative landscape and the importance of data in enhancing cotton supply chains. Insights from the 2023 India Impact Report and the latest on traceability will also be shared.