BCI Strengthens Regenerative Focus With Principles & Criteria v3.2
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has released Version 3.2 of its Principles and Criteria (P&C), reinforcing its commitment to regenerative agriculture and enhancing its farm-level standard for cotton production. The updated framework came into effect on April 1, 2026.
As a core component of the BCI Standard System, P&C v3.2 introduces targeted revisions to selected indicators and guidance, aimed at improving clarity, feasibility and auditability across diverse cotton-growing regions. While the overall structure and scope of the standard remain unchanged, the update marks a significant step in BCI’s transition toward a regenerative agriculture-based system.
The revision process, launched in June 2025 and approved by the BCI Council in December 2025, aligns with the organisation’s broader strategy to integrate regenerative principles into its standards. The update also follows a third-party assessment benchmarking BCI’s framework against other regenerative agriculture systems.
BCI’s approach to regenerative agriculture emphasises practices that restore and enhance soil health, improve water-use efficiency, support biodiversity, increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the organisation underscores the importance of strengthening the social and economic conditions of cotton farming communities.
The updated P&C maintains key regenerative practices while placing greater emphasis on continuous improvement and the gradual adoption of more sustainable farming methods over time.
The release is accompanied by updated global reference documents and a stakeholder consultation summary, reflecting BCI’s commitment to transparency and collaborative standard development.
