The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) programme in Spain was launched in 2023, when BCI forged strategic partnerships with Espalgodón and the Regional Government of Andalucía to kickstart the production of BCI Cotton-equivalent cotton in Spain. The first harvest of Spanish BCI Cotton was produced in 2024.
Espalgodón – a coalition of three Spanish agricultural organisations – represents all cotton farmers in the country, aiming to bring structure to the sector, as well as to improve competitiveness and increase the value of Spanish cotton. The organisation submitted a Declaration of Interest in 2021, outlining domestic appetite to collaborate on the production of more sustainable cotton.
BCI has since worked with the Regional Government of Andalucía – Spain’s major cotton growing region – to recognise its Integrated Production System (IPS) as the country’s equivalent to the BCI Standard System (BCSS). In practice, this will enable cotton produced on IPS-licensed farms to be sold as ‘BCI Cotton’.
The cotton sector in Spain is made up of farms of between 12 and 30 hectares, mainly located in Andalucía, in the provinces of Seville, Cádiz and Córdoba.
Generally, farmers are part of an API (Integrated Production Association), Agricultural Associations (ASAJA, COAG, UPA) or cooperatives. APIs aim to improve producers’ competitiveness through the adoption of integrated production techniques, which balance environmental protection, economic profitability, and workers’ health. By participating in an API, cotton producers in Spain are not only able to optimise their cultivation processes but also contribute to the sustainability of agriculture and the future of cotton production in the country.
Better Cotton Initiative Partners in Spain
BCI works with two Programme Partners in Spain:
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development of the Regional Government of Andalusia
- Espalgodón – Strategic Partner
“With the recognition of Integrated Production System’s equivalence as BCI Cotton, we believe that it will be possible to increase the competitiveness and therefore the resilience of Andalusian farms by growing the value of cotton for farmers who have joined this alliance.”
Which regions grow BCI Cotton in Spain?
BCI Cotton is grown in Andalusia, in the provinces of Jaén, Córdoba, Sevilla and Cádiz.
When is BCI Cotton grown in Spain?
Cotton is sown from April to May and harvested from September to November.
Sustainability Challenges
Water management is the primary challenge Spanish cotton farmers face, and it remains a critical area for continuous improvement. Given the increasingly unpredictable and unfavourable climatic conditions, effective water use has become more crucial than ever.
Spanish growers are particularly vulnerable to water scarcity, which can significantly impact crop yields and overall productivity. To address this, farmers are adopting innovative irrigation techniques and exploring sustainable practices to optimise water use. This includes implementing advanced technologies such as drip or sprinkler irrigation, which minimises water waste. This action is essential not only for maintaining production levels but also for ensuring the long-term sustainability of cotton farming in Spain.
Another important area where Spanish growers are making continuous progress is integrated pest management. Farmers are actively prioritising biological, biotechnological, cultural, physical, and genetic methods over chemical solutions whenever possible, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable pest and disease control.
Get in touch
Contact our team via the contact form if you’d like to learn more or become a partner, or if you’re a farmer interested in farming BCI Cotton.