Benefits of Organic Cotton
Health & Welfare of Cotton Workers & Families
Non organic cotton production can have serious health consequences with
the World Health Organisation attributing a significant proportion of
the 20,000 deaths each year due to pesticide poisoning to the cotton industry.
Organic cotton farmers report significant higher incomes and many are
no longer struggling with debt due to the cost of the chemicals. Allowing
them to educate their children and gain access to health care. Farmers
can also grow food safely on their land, which they can then use to feed
themselves and their families or sell to increase their income, thus providing
food security.
Positive environmental Impact
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact
on the environment. Organic production systems such as composted manure
and crop rotation, replenish and maintain soil fertility, and build biologically
diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that
organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production.
Protecting the Water Supply
Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides
and synthetic fertilizers, helping to reduce surface water contamination
and helping to safeguard essential drinking water supplies.
An Alternative to GM
Although genetic engineering (GE) crops have resulted in a large increase
in pesticide use and have failed to increase yield or tackle world hunger
and poverty, according to a 2008 report released by Friends of the Earth
and the Center for Food Safety. According to the report, four of every
five acres of GE crops worldwide are Roundup Ready (RR) varieties, designed
for use with glyphosate, a weed-killing pesticide.
U.S. government data reveals a 15-fold increase in the use of glyphosate
on soybeans, corn and cotton in the U.S. from 1994 to 2005, driven by
the adoption of RR versions of these crops.
Source: "Who
Benefits from GM Crops? The Rise in Pesticide Use", Friends of
the Earth and Center, February 2008.
See some of our organic products |
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