U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Launches Regenerative Cotton Pilot
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has introduced a new framework under its Field Partner Program pilot to formally recognize verified regenerative farming practices and measurable sustainability outcomes among cotton growers. The initiative will enable brands and retailers to source regenerative U.S. cotton with full verification and traceability.
The pilot, which is underway for the 2025 crop year, aims to strengthen value for brand members while maintaining the Trust Protocol’s core pillars of science-based measurement, third-party verification and supply chain transparency. The programme features a dual framework linking agricultural practices to real, field-level outcomes to create greater impact and accountability.
“There is a clear and growing demand for materials that contribute to a regenerative agricultural system,” said Daren Abney, Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “This initiative establishes a formal pathway to recognize regenerative practices at the field level, enhancing value for growers and providing brands meaningful sourcing options to meet their sustainability goals.”
Designed with input from member brands and supply chain partners, the 2025 pilot will evaluate market demand for regenerative U.S. cotton, traceability of regenerative cotton bales through the supply chain and the programme’s assurance and verification systems ahead of wider rollout in 2026.
Verification will be integrated into the Trust Protocol’s existing system, combining farm-level data, on-ground field assessments and satellite imagery to validate regenerative outcomes. The framework is aligned with Field to Market’s regenerative agriculture guidance.
To qualify, growers must meet minimum regenerative criteria across key areas such as soil health, water stewardship, reduction in synthetic inputs, water quality protections and biodiversity enhancement.
