Organic cotton production currently takes place in 22 countries around the world, covering the same regions as conventional cotton. However, the vast majority (87%) of production takes place in just three countries: India, Turkey, and Syria. The total land area globally is approximately 161,000 hectares with an estimated 177,678 farmers of which nearly 18% are women, located mostly in Africa. Organic cotton production in the 2007/8 season was an estimated 145,872 metric tons of lint. Total production recorded was 152% higher than in 2006/7, partly due to better data gathering and more reliable information, although 60% of the additional production is from increased production by existing known projects. (2008 Organic Exchange Farm & Fiber Report).
These pages paint the picture of organic cotton fibre production around the world; you will find current information on production
volumes, stock availability, fibre types and qualities, profiles of the regions and countries growing organic cotton and how to
contact them, as well as profiles of the farming groups and the farmers without whom there would be no organic textiles.
Additonally, you will find informaton on local supply chains and capacity for each project.
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