FARMER SUPPORT

The majority of cotton cultivated worldwide is grown by smallholder farmers. In order for smallholder farmers to participate and adopt better practices consistent with the Production Principles, BCI will coordinate a programme of activities. These are framed as Enabling Mechanisms and cover three globally relevant areas of activity identified by BCI in its consultation to date. They provide the focus for how farmers will have the means to grow cotton in accordance with the Production Principles, and consider the issues that the BCI needs to focus on to enable farmers to grow Better Cotton while improving their access to market.

In line with this philosophy, the initial emphasis of the BCI is on improving production practices, rather than excluding farmers who do not yet undertake practices consistent with the Production Principles, while recognising the need for demonstrable and continuous improvement over a specified period of time.

 

The BCI seeks to develop strong and supportive partnerships with different organisations that are experienced and interested in working with smallholder farmers, to enable them to grow Better Cotton and make continuous improvement. In working with such Implementing Partners, a Step by Step Guide to Implementation – for both smallholders and large farms is provided, with annual workshops delivered to share best practices, improve BCI’s materials, and get further advice and understanding about growing Better Cotton.