BASF rolls out support scheme for sustainable cotton farmers

BASF has launched the e3 Sustainable Cotton Grower Fund, an effort to provide additional economic support for cotton farmers in the e3 programme who commit to growing sustainable cotton.

Brands, retailers, mills and other cotton fibre value chain partners sourcing e3 Sustainable Cotton will have the opportunity to contribute a monetary amount to the fund. At the end of each year, 100% of those funds will be distributed equally to e3 Sustainable Cotton farmers, which is in addition to a $2.50 per bale premium BASF provides to farmers enrolled in the program.

“Our program is based on three pillars, one of which is to grow sustainable cotton in an economically viable way,” said Jennifer Gasque-Crumpler, e3 Sustainable Cotton program manager for BASF. “Our vision for honest, fair, sustainable cotton isn’t possible without our dedicated farmers. We’re grateful to our cotton fibre value chain partners who also understand the importance of rewarding their effort and are joining us in this first-of-its-kind commitment.”

The e3 Sustainable Cotton Grower Fund is part of a programme that provides unmatched field-level traceability and is driven by comprehensive verification and a valued reputation for growing socially equitable, economically viable and environmentally responsible cotton. Farmers who are part of the e3 Sustainable Cotton programme commit to tracking eight sustainability measures with 100% of their cotton acres, ranging from water use and pesticide management to soil conservation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Through a series of digital platforms, the cotton they grow can be traced from an individual cotton bale in their field, all the way to the end consumer.