Better Cotton in Turkey Reaches New Level of Recognition

Better Cotton in Turkey has taken a significant step forwards in the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the Good Cotton Practices Association (IPUD) and BCI. Founded in September 2013 as part of an ongoing effort to establish Turkey as a region for Better Cotton production, IPUD will be the stewards of Better Cotton activities in Turkey, supported by the BCI Secretariat. With the signing of the agreement IPUD commit to taking significant leadership in the implementation of the Better Cotton standard amongst Turkish cotton industry actors .

Having worked closely with the Turkish cotton sector since 2011, BCI will report on the first 2013 harvest of Better Cotton later this year. This is an innovative transition model for the implementation of Better Cotton in a country, and represents a substantial mutual opportunity to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of producing Better Cotton.

About BCI

BCI is a multi-stakeholder initiative - from producer to retailer - who have decided to act together to reduce the damaging environmental and social consequences of cotton production and make the sector’s future more secure. BCI is about helping farmers to transform farming practices in ways that reduce stress on the local environment and improve the livelihoods of farming communities. BCI wants to show farmers that it makes business sense to reduce pesticide usage, to manage water better, to improve soil health and the welfare of farm workers.

Orta is representing suppliers & manufacturers membership category on BCI Council since 2011. Orta has been investing on the establishment of Better Cotton programs in Turkey as well.

Being part of its sustainable philosophy, Orta supports BCI on global and national basis by using 5% “Better Cotton” within its total cotton consumption.