Background information

Early organic fiber production began in the U.S. and Turkey in the late 1980s. These were soon followed by production in Africa (Egypt), India, and Peru. Some production was initiated by traditional companies seeking to create new models of doing business, others by farmers seeking new markets and better ways of living. Lastly, some were started as development projects by NGOs.

Organic cotton fiber production has gone through several phases of development in the past fifteen years. Initially, there was enthusiasm for organic cotton, but the market went through a re-assessment largely because of lack of interest from consumers. It followed a more structured and professional approach in the late 1990s. During the past four years, the organic cotton market has become more global, with improved fiber quality, greater production and trade, more integrated supply chains and rapid growth in demand. Most of all, the global market is demanding a shift to socially responsible and environmentally friendly products making organic cotton attractive to the mainstream consumer.

Where organic production is workable, the major beneficiary is the farmer. Farmers are no longer exposed to pesticides and insecticides, providing a health benefit and lowering the growing cost. Presently, organic methods produce lower yields, but the farmer financially benefits from a premium sales price. Additionally, there are positive environmental effects on the rotating food crops.

Expansion in organic fiber production and consumption is expected to continue in the coming years. Globally companies are making commitments to transition to organic cotton for a variety of reasons. They desire to differentiate their brand and products and display their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Increased awareness and use of organic food and other products by consumers and positive consumer response to organic cotton products is driving the market to companies thinking organically. The success of organic cotton depends largely on retailers taking the next step and continuing to increase their product ranges within the next few years.

Certification and inspection of the organic production are of a paramount importance. The following organizations provide certification programs:

The Institute for Marketecology (IMO)
The Institute for Marketecology (IMO) is an international certification and inspection agency founded in Switzerland in 1990. IMO is specialized in quality assurance of eco-friendly products, organic agriculture and management systems. (www.imo.ch).

ECOCERT
ECOCERT is a control and certification organization, whose activities are governed accordingly by the public authorities and legislation. ECOCERT is accredited for structure and procedures by COFRAC (French committee for accreditation), in accordance with guide standard ISO 65 (EN 45011), which requires independence, competence and impartiality (www.ecocert.com).

Control Union World Group
Control Union is an international group of companies specializing in independent cargo surveying, super-intending and certification. Control Union Certifications, f.k.a. Skal International, offers global one-stop-shop for a wide range of certification programs (www.controlunion.com).