Cotton LEADS, a joint program established by Australian and U.S. cotton industries, which is designed to advocates and raise awareness of the responsible growing practices and commitment to continuous improvement among cotton producers for the popular fabric fiber was launched in October of 2013 gets support of more than 200 textile businesses across the global cotton textile supply chain.

The first phase of the Cotton LEADS program was aimed at raising awareness of the significant environmental gains already achieved by cotton growers in Australia and the United States and their commitment to continual improvement.

The robust national infrastructures of both countries have facilitated and documented these gains, but more importantly, they enable the country-wide implementation of future best practices, said Mark Messura, Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain Marketing at Cotton Incorporated.

On the topic of best practices, Adam Kay, CEO of Cotton Australia, adds that the self-investment by growers into research and development is a key commonality in both countries, and one that demonstrates their commitment to continual improvement.

The Cotton LEADS program is a joint effort of the Australian cotton industry and the U.S. Cotton industry as a project of the Cotton Foundation. Its founding members are Cotton Australia, the National Cotton Council of America, Cotton Council International and Cotton Incorporated. Companies signing on to the program include: Target Corporation, AEON TopValu, Fountain Set, American & Efird, and Operadora LOB.