U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol’s 2024-25 Annual Report Marks Major Gains In Sustainability Metrics
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has issued its 2024-25 Annual Report, marking a significant five-year milestone with more than 1,500 grower members delivering measurable progress across all six of its sustainability metrics compared to a 2015 baseline. The programme confirmed that growers have met or exceeded five of the six ambitious 2025 National Goals, underscoring the effectiveness of its data-driven approach to responsible cotton production.
According to the report, growers achieved a 15% reduction in land use while producing 20% more cotton per acre than the U.S. average. Water-use efficiency improved by 87%, far surpassing the 2025 goal despite challenging drought conditions. Energy use fell by 28%, soil loss dropped by 89%, and 71% of enrolled acres are now under active soil-health improvement practices. Greenhouse gas emissions also declined by 25%, aided by improved nitrogen efficiency and precision irrigation technologies.
The report highlights rapid growth in traceability adoption, with a 413% increase in Protocol Consumption Unit uptake. A total of 20 brands tracked 126,000 tonnes of Trust Protocol cotton, equivalent to 690 million finished products, reflecting rising demand for verified, transparent sourcing. Regenerative agriculture continued to strengthen within the programme, with 63% of growers planting cover crops and 57% adopting no-till or conservation tillage practices.
Enrollment in the Trust Protocol reached record levels for the sixth straight year, expanding to 1,512 growers and 2.58 million acres. The programme also launched a new regenerative cotton pilot in 2025 to formally recognize and verify regenerative practices, offering brands an innovative pathway to nature-positive sourcing.
Trust Protocol President Dr. Gary Adams said the report demonstrates the tangible environmental impact of sustainable farming at scale. Executive Director Daren Abney added that with rising global regulations, the need for credible, verifiable data is higher than ever, and the programme’s traceability tools provide brands with the confidence to validate sourcing and meet compliance expectations.
