The deadline for cotton growers to enroll in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol and enter their farm data for the 2022 crop is March 31.
Launched in 2020, the Trust Protocol was designed to set a new standard in more sustainably grown cotton. Producers enrolled in the Trust Protocol are eligible to participate in the Climate Smart Cotton Program, which will provide technical and financial assistance to 1,650 U.S. cotton farmers with acres available for Climate Smart practice changes. Growers also receive personalized data that can be used to help improve their sustainability efforts and yield, as well as gain closer communication with their end customer.
“The aggregated data and insights provided by the program makes good business sense for U.S. cotton growers,” said Matt Coley, a Trust Protocol grower from Georgia. “From continuously refining our on-farm practices to helping secure global demand for sustainable U.S. cotton, grower enrollment in this initiative is critical for our industry.”
The Trust Protocol has welcomed more than 1,100 brand, retailer, mill and manufacturer members, including Levi Strauss & Co., Old Navy, Gap, American Eagle Outfitters, and J.Crew. With increased scrutiny on sustainability, the program provides brands and retailers access to more sustainably grown cotton and science based, data-led assurances that consumers can have confidence in.
Data growers provide is secure and remains confidential. It is used only in aggregate form. Crop consultants can also be authorized to enter information on the grower’s behalf. Additionally, the John Deere Operations Center can pre-populate up to 40% of the data needed to complete the fieldprint analysis for those who utilize the platform.
Growers should enroll and complete their data entry at TrustUSCotton.org by March 31.
Enrollment for the 2023 crop will open the second week of April. For help enrolling, contact info@trustuscotton.org.
Original source can be found here.
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