STRATEGIC APPROACH
The BCI's approach is to develop a market for a mainstream commodity - Better Cotton - which will focus on reducing globally significant environmental, social and economic impacts to bring long-term benefits for farmers, farm workers, cotton farming communities and the environment. This involves enabling farmers to grow and sell Better Cotton through minimising the harmful impact of crop protection practices, using water efficiently, caring for the health of the soil, conserving natural habitats, caring for and preserving the quality of the fibre, promoting Decent Work, and to participate more effectively in the supply chain to meet growing demand for Better Cotton. Adoption of better farm management practices to grow Better Cotton — supported by activities that build effective producer organisations, improve access to finance and provide training — should also lead to improved productivity and an improved financial situation for farmers and cotton farm workers.
In particular, the BCI has adopted the following strategies for its approach to developing a market for a mainstream commodity.
Global and mainstream: To ensure that the BCI has the greatest possible impact on a global scale, it focuses on ensuring that Better Cotton can be grown by as many farmers as possible, no matter where they are.
Inclusive and participatory: To generate wide-spread support and involvement in growing Better Cotton, the BCI welcomes collaboration with organisations with an interest in the cotton supply chain and who support the BCI‘s mission. Collaborating with complementary initiatives in a united effort to promote more sustainable cotton production is considered critical to bring about change on a global scale. Ensuring voluntary participation from civil society, producers, industry, and government helps to build and institutionalise an approach to growing Better Cotton that includes the perspective of these interested groups, and that is therefore more robust. The BCI respects diversity and difference in its approach.
Enabling farmers: To ensure that farmers receive the support that they need to grow Better Cotton, the BCI focuses on building the capacity of farmers and cotton farm workers. The BCI also concentrates on increasing farm profitability through improved productivity and fibre quality, rather than on paying a fixed premium.
Long-term development: The BCI recognises the long time scales required to engender wide-spread change amongst a large and diverse group of stakeholders. It therefore adopts an approach based on encouraging continuous improvement in the cotton supply chain.
Demonstrating real change: The BCI is committed to measuring and communicating the effects of growing Better Cotton on people and the environment, so that all interested parties can learn from the results.
Good governance: The BCI is committed to good practices and transparency in the management of natural, human, and financial resources, and respects national and applicable law.
