At GES we source Regenerative cotton to support agricultural approach that goes beyond sustainability, aiming to restore and improve the health of ecosystems and communities while producing cotton. It focuses on regenerating soil health, enhancing biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and promoting the well-being of farmers and rural communities. Here are key principles and practices associated with regenerative cotton farming:

1. Diverse Cover Crops:

Plant diverse cover crops in between cotton planting seasons to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and support beneficial soil microorganisms.

2. No-Till or Reduced Tillage:

Minimize soil disturbance through no-till or reduced tillage practices to protect soil structure and reduce carbon loss.

3. Crop Rotation:

Rotate cotton with other crops to break pest and disease cycles and enhance soil fertility.

4. Composting and Organic Matter:

Incorporate organic matter such as compost and crop residues into the soil to improve soil structure and nutrient content.

5. Polyculture and Agroforestry:

Integrate cotton farming with other crops and trees to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.

6. Water Management:

Implement efficient irrigation techniques and rainwater harvesting to conserve water resources.

7. Biological Pest Control:

Promote natural predators and beneficial insects to control pest populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

8. Organic Practices:

Utilize organic farming principles, avoiding synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

9. Carbon Sequestration:

Focus on carbon sequestration by enhancing soil organic carbon content, helping mitigate climate change.

10. Community Engagement:

Collaborate with local communities to ensure equitable distribution of benefits and support rural livelihoods.

11. Fair Labor Practices:

Prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers' rights, including empowerment and access to education and healthcare.

12. Certifications:

Prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers' rights, including empowerment and access to education and healthcare.

13. Data and Monitoring:

Collect and analyze data on soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration to assess progress and inform decision-making.

14. Education and Training:

Provide education and training to cotton farmers on regenerative farming techniques and best practices.

15. Regenerative Supply Chains:

Establish transparent and traceable supply chains to promote awareness and consumer support for regenerative cotton.

Regenerative cotton farming aligns with the broader regenerative agriculture movement, which seeks to create sustainable, resilient, and thriving agricultural systems that benefit both the environment and society. By restoring ecosystems, sequestering carbon, and promoting ethical and fair practices, regenerative cotton farming aims to revolutionize the cotton industry, making it a positive force for environmental and social change.