U.S. cotton growers can now join the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol and apply for the Climate Smart Cotton Program for the 2025 crop year. These innovative programs provide growers with the tools, data, and financial support needed to meet the growing demand for responsibly sourced cotton, ensuring sustainability and profitability in the global marketplace.
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a voluntary sustainability program designed to help growers:
- Showcase Commitment to Sustainability: Demonstrate measurable progress in key areas such as water use, land use, soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and fiber quality.
- Access Valuable Data and Insights: Use advanced metrics to monitor environmental impact and identify areas for improvement.
- Refine Farming Practices: Implement climate-smart techniques tailored to your land and business needs.
Climate Smart Cotton Program Financial Support
The Climate Smart Cotton Program offers three levels of involvement to help growers adopt and benefit from sustainable practices:
- Level 1 – U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Membership
- $5 per acre (up to 706 acres) for enrolling in the Trust Protocol, uploading bales to the platform, and exploring new climate-smart practices.
- Level 2 – Implement a Climate Smart Practice Change
- Up to $45 per acre (for up to three years) for adopting new practices like cover crops, no-till, strip-till, or a nutrient management plan.
- Level 3 – Carbon Inset Payment
- Contract payments for verified carbon emission reductions achieved through climate-smart agricultural practices.
A Pathway to Sustainability and Profitability
Since its launch, the Trust Protocol has seen a steady increase in grower membership. Daren Abney, Executive Director of the Trust Protocol, emphasizes, “These programs provide a clear pathway for growers to meet the increasing demand for sustainably produced cotton, enhancing profitability and strengthening their position in the global marketplace.”
Personalized Support
Grower Enrollment Specialists are available to provide personalized, region-specific guidance, ensuring a seamless enrollment process for both the Trust Protocol and Climate Smart Cotton Program.
About the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
The Trust Protocol is the sustainability program and traceability platform for U.S. cotton, offering data collection and third-party verification to track progress and drive continuous improvement. It focuses on six key sustainability areas: land use, soil health, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and fiber quality.
As the leader of the U.S. Climate Smart Cotton Program, the Trust Protocol is committed to enhancing profitability, environmental stewardship, and the long-term viability of the U.S. cotton industry.
Enroll Today
Take the next step toward sustainable cotton production. Learn more and enroll now:
👉 U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
