Burkina Faso cotton output to rise after discontinuing Monsanto variety

The west African country’s growers after blaming a genetically modified (GM) variety supplied by U.S. seed maker Monsanto for a decline in cotton quality reverted entirely to conventional cotton for the new crop.

The country’s agriculture minister Jacob Quedragon on Monday said that due to favorable rainfall to boost cotton output. The 2016-17 harvest, which is expected to total 750,000 tonnes, was showing improved quality as well as production.

Burkina Faso estimates its production of raw cotton for the 2016-17 harvest will rise by 25 percent compared to the previous harvest.

Burkina Faso’s cotton producers had complained that increased levels of short fibers in their GM cotton had impacted its market value, and last April announced they were seeking 48.3 billion CFA francs ($78 million) in compensation from Monsanto.

Monsanto has acknowledged changes in cotton fiber length, but argued that fiber quality is also influenced by environmental conditions and that other cotton varieties have shown length variations.

The talks between Burkina’s producers and Monsanto were continuing,

Recent Posts

Nilit, Samsara Eco launch collection with enzymatically recycled nylon

Nilit and Samsara Eco have unveiled the Full Circle collection, showcasing the potential of enzymatically recycled nylon 6.6 for high-performance…

23 hours ago

Patrick McDowell creates apparel using Shiringa io-leather

Patrick McDowell has expanded his commitment to sustainable fashion through a new collaboration with bio-based materials nonprofit Collective Fashion Justice.

23 hours ago

Leesa introduces plant-based GreenFlex foam

Leesa Sleep has introduced its newly developed GreenFlex foam, marking a significant step in reducing the company's reliance on fossil…

23 hours ago

Biella Yarn launches collection combining yarns with human senses

Biella Yarn, the flat knitting brand of Suedwolle Group, has unveiled its Fall/Winter 2027/2028 collection, New Romance, at Pitti Filati…

4 days ago

DuPont launches Tyvek APX protective fabric

DuPont has introduced its latest Tyvek APX protective fabric to the ASEAN market during the Thailand Safe@Work 2026 exhibition, held…

4 days ago

PRGMEA joins ATTI to accelerate industry decarbonization

The Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), has joined the Apparel & Textile Transformation Initiative (ATTI).

4 days ago