BCI Partners With Avalo To Develop Climate-Resilient Cotton

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has partnered with agriculture solutions company Avalo to accelerate the development of climate-resilient cotton varieties.

Avalo uses artificial intelligence (AI) and plant genetics to identify key traits that can help crops withstand climate-related challenges. Its technology aims to accelerate plant breeding and develop locally adapted cotton varieties that require less water and fertiliser, enabling farmers to respond more quickly to changing climatic conditions.

As part of the partnership, Avalo has worked with BCI to enrol a significant number of new producers for the 2026 season. The companies have also been testing an online platform designed to support data collection and reporting across multiple programmes.

Ashley Barrington, BCI Senior Country Manager – US, said Avalo is supporting growers by streamlining data collection and compliance processes while providing technical assistance in the field.

The development of cotton varieties requiring fewer agricultural inputs could also help farmers manage rising production costs at a time of challenging cotton prices. Avalo said around two-thirds of its cotton sales were driven by brand demand from companies committed to regenerative agriculture. The company added that brands are increasingly interested in regenerative programmes for their environmental benefits as well as data transparency and farmer equity.

BCI-certified farms in the Texas High Plains have begun contracting with Avalo to grow its cotton varieties. Avalo is also working with BCI’s long-standing US Programme Partner, Quarterway Cotton Growers.

Todd Straley, CEO, BCI Group Manager and cotton farmer at Quarterway, said developing cotton varieties suited to higher temperatures and limited water availability would be critical to maintaining the viability of cotton farming in the Texas High Plains.

Tricia Carey, Chief Commercial Officer, Avalo, said the company combines data, agronomy and genetics to help farmers produce cotton with lower environmental impact while improving resilience and profitability.

Avalo will participate in BCI’s upcoming US field event, Cotton & Beyond: Regenerative Agriculture in the Texas High Plains, in September. BCI representatives will also participate in Avalo Farm Days later in the month.