Trust Protocol Reports Sixth Year Of Record Growth
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has announced its sixth consecutive year of growth, achieving record increases in both enrolled planted acres and participating growers. For the 2025 planting season, the programme represents 2.58 million planted acres, up 18% from the previous year, with 1,512 growers now enrolled – a 14% increase over 2024.
This growth comes despite challenging conditions in the U.S. cotton sector, including fluctuating input costs, climate variability and evolving market demands. The continued expansion of the Trust Protocol highlights the programme’s growing value to U.S. cotton producers seeking to adopt sustainable, data-driven practices.
By joining the Trust Protocol, growers gain access to verified, actionable insights that help them measure their environmental footprint, optimize resource use and improve operational efficiency. The programme’s transparency and accountability also enable participants to showcase their commitment to responsible farming practices.
“We are proud of the continued increase in grower participation in the Trust Protocol,” said Daren Abney, Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “This voluntary sustainability programme not only enhances grower resilience but also creates greater sourcing opportunities for brands and retailers worldwide, with increased access to both U.S. Cotton and Protocol Cotton.”
The Trust Protocol offers a fully transparent and verifiable tracking system from farm to finished product, helping brands meet their sourcing and sustainability reporting goals. It currently has over 2,500 mills and manufacturers in its network and is supported by more than 45 global brands, including Ralph Lauren, Gap, Levi’s, Carhartt, J.Crew, and Urban Outfitters.
The programme continues to position U.S. cotton as a reliable and sustainable fibre choice in the global apparel and textile supply chain.
