NATIVA™ Celebrates World Cotton Day with First Crop of Regeneratively Grown Cotton
06-11-2024
Did you know that 7th October is World Cotton Day? The importance of cotton as a global commodity is vast and the day aims to celebrate, observe and recognise the value of cotton industry across the globe.
For 2024 the theme centred on ‘Cotton for Good’ highlighting ethical change within the industry. Aligned with this notion, NATIVA™, a leading supplier of regeneratively farmed luxury fibres, has begun harvesting its first crop of regeneratively farmed cotton.
Planted at the beginning of the spring in Messolonghi, Greece, by a collective of NATIVA™ farmers including a mother and son partnership, NATIVA™’s debut crop of cotton has ripened and opened in the blazing Mediterranean sun.
Working with regenerative cotton founding partner, Nafpaktos Textile Industry SA, every step from the cultivation to the fibre processing and yarn making takes place in Greece – resulting in a farm to fibre cycle fully accomplished within the EU and complying with EU standards in labour and environmental conservation rights.
“We are so pleased to harvest our first crop of regeneratively grown cotton.” said Maria Estrada, NATIVA™ Global Director. “From planting the seed to picking a bumper crop of the finest quality, our goal of positively impacting the supply chain through regenerative farming is becoming a reality thanks to our wonderful partners. It is kismet for it all to happen on World Cotton Day.” she said.
NATIVA™’s Regenerative Agriculture Program protects the land by bettering soil quality, safeguards crops by ensuring soil health, and supports farmers and local communities by improving their livelihoods. These multidisciplinary efforts further result in greater water quality and increased CO2 capturing levels. Measured over a five-year period, NATIVA™ aims to achieve a 20% increase of organic materials (natural nutrients) in the soil through its regenerative agricultural practices. This is supported by a 25% reduction in pesticides, with an eventual goal of zero pesticide use throughout time, and the effective eradication of tillage.
All NATIVA™ Cotton incorporates NATIVA™ Blockchain technology, which digitally tracks and logs every step of the fibre’s journey.
NATIVA™ is honoured to introduce its farmers by name and to collaborate with premium partner brands such as Stella McCartney, Gucci, Pangaia and COS as part of their NATIVARegen™ program.