The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol announced today that due to demand, the deadline for growers to enroll and complete their data entry for the 2021/22 cotton crop is extended until April 30.
Launched in 2020, the program was designed to set a new standard in more sustainably grown cotton, ensuring that it contributes to the protection and preservation of the planet, using the most sustainable and responsible techniques. The Trust Protocol is an industry-wide initiative to promote U.S. cotton to brands and retailers as a sustainable fiber produced by growers that strive for continuous improvement. “We’ve received a lot of interest in the program recently by U.S. cotton growers and wanted to provide additional time to complete enrollment during what we know is a busy time of year,” said Dr. Gary Adams, president of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “Additionally, producers who enroll in the program and complete their data entry before the extended deadline will have an opportunity to receive a potential redistribution of program revenue.”
To aid with enrollment, the Trust Protocol has also rolled out two additional avenues to streamline the process. First, growers can authorize their crop consultant to help ensure that necessary information is entered and accurate. Second, if growers utilize the John Deere Operations Center, they can pre-populate up to 40% of the data needed to complete their Fieldprint analysis through the platform.
“The Trust Protocol can be a valuable asset to a grower’s operation and the U.S. cotton industry can only succeed if there is participation,” said Barry Evans, a Trust Protocol grower member from Texas. “I would encourage all of my fellow cotton growers to join me in enrolling.”
To complete online enrollment and data entry growers can visit TrustUSCotton.org before the extended April 30 deadline. If growers have questions or would like help with enrollment, reach out to the Grower Help Desk at growers@trustuscotton.org. The Trust Protocol has welcomed more than 560 brand, retailer, mill and manufacturer members since its launch in 2020. This includes J.Crew, Madewell, Levi Strauss & Co. and, Gap Inc. as well as global apparel manufacturer Gildan. The Trust Protocol has also welcomed UK retailers Tesco and Next Plc.
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, recognized by Textile Exchange and Forum for the Future, and part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cotton 2025 Sustainable Cotton Challenge, Cotton 2040 and Cotton Up initiatives. The program has also been recognized and published in the ITC Standards Map.
