CottonConnect and the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) announced the formalisation of a long-term collaboration to enhance awareness and expand the scope of regenerative cotton programmes throughout Egypt.
Alison Ward, CEO of CottonConnect, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Cotton Egypt Association to advance our shared goal of promoting sustainable cotton production. By working together, we can amplify our impact, helping Egyptian cotton farmers to transition to regenerative practices that enhance productivity while preserving vital natural resources.”
Khaled Schuman, Chief Executive Officer of the Cotton Egypt Association, added: “We pride ourselves on upholding the high quality of Egyptian cotton, made to be durable and 100% pure with no additional blend. This means protecting the fertile soils of our Nile River Valley and ensuring continued commitment to sustainability as well as innovation within the Egyptian cotton sector. Our partnership with CottonConnect is a significant step in the right direction. We look forward to leveraging our combined expertise and networks to drive meaningful change, supporting farmers, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the textile industry.”
The partnership aims to promote sustainable farming practices by empowering cotton farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to adopt regenerative agricultural techniques. CEA is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to protect and promote the value-add of the Egyptian Cotton™ identity. CEA’s support will help CottonConnect to expand its existing REEL Cotton Programme, which has already shown visible impact in Egypt, with a 15-30% reduction in the use of water and chemicals, a 15% increase in yield, and about 30% increase in profits for the local farmers who participated in the programme.
Egypt is predicted to be categorised as water scarce by 2025, according to the United Nations. The announcement is a timely response to the country’s experience of climate change and represents a proactive approach to adapt and mitigate its worst effects.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between CottonConnect and the CEA outlines a commitment to regenerative cotton farming, where both parties will jointly support the REEL Regenerative Programme with the ultimate goal of building more resilient cotton supply chains and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers against climate change.
It will focus on several key areas, including:
- Sharing of technical expertise and support for the expansion of REEL Regenerative Programme in Egypt
- Development of a traceability model for Egyptian cotton to be traced from farm to fashion
- Joint opportunities for partnership with local and international brands that are interested in the production of regenerative cotton
Through this collaboration, CottonConnect and the CEA aim to create a more sustainable future for cotton farming in Egypt, preserving the livelihoods of local farmers while helping the sector fulfil the demand for more sustainable cotton by brands and suppliers that value the renowned quality and luxurious appearance of Egyptian cotton.
