For the first time, the Better Cotton initiative brought its landmark Large Farm Week to Brazil from July 7–11, 2025, marking a milestone in global collaboration on sustainable cotton production. The gathering brought together representatives from major cotton-producing countries including Australia, Greece, Israel, Pakistan, Spain, Türkiye, the United States, Uzbekistan, and the host nation Brazil.
The aim was to foster an exchange of best practices, innovations, and strategies for advancing sustainability in large-scale cotton farming.
The program began in Brasília at the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (ABRAPA) headquarters before moving to Goiás and Mato Grosso, two of the country’s largest cotton-growing regions.
Participants visited GMS Group farms, Agopa facilities, research institutes, and quality laboratories, where they observed Brazil’s highly mechanized and data-driven production systems in action. These visits showcased how technology and science are being used to enhance yield, improve fiber quality, and reduce environmental impact.
Throughout the week, discussions centered on some of the most pressing issues facing the cotton sector globally—climate change, biodiversity loss, pest management, water usage, pesticide dependence, and the growing competition from synthetic fibers. Roundtable workshops encouraged participants to share experiences and generate action plans for reducing pesticide use, improving grower engagement, and promoting sustainably grown cotton in the marketplace. The event also provided a platform for deeper networking and long-term cooperation among farmers and industry leaders from different countries.
Brazilian participants used the opportunity to highlight the role of farmers as custodians of the land rather than contributors to environmental harm. Alexandre Schenkel, owner of Santa Rosa Farm, described the gathering as a chance to “feel like part of a big Better Cotton family… united by the goal of sustainability.” Carlos Alberto Moresco, a Brazilian cotton producer and ABRAPA representative, reinforced that message, saying, “If we don’t take care of the land, it’s not going to give back what we require.” Their words reflected a shared understanding across nations that sustainability is both an environmental necessity and an economic imperative.
The event builds on Better Cotton’s long-standing partnership with ABRAPA, whose Responsible Brazilian Cotton (ABR) Standard has been aligned with the Better Cotton Standard System since 2014. This alignment allows Brazilian farmers to market their cotton as “Better Cotton” domestically and internationally. In the 2023–24 season alone, 440 ABR-certified farms produced over 3 million metric tonnes—more than 83% of Brazil’s total cotton output under the Better Cotton label.
Hosting Large Farm Week in Brazil reinforced the country’s position as one of the world’s leaders in sustainable cotton production and strengthened international ties within the cotton sector. Participants left with new insights, shared strategies, and a renewed commitment to promoting responsible farming practices that meet both global demand and environmental expectations.
