The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is the voluntary sustainability program and traceability platform for U.S. cotton. It's the only program offering quantifiable measurement across six key sustainability metrics, and was the first to offer article-level traceability.
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol supports U.S. cotton growers in their sustainability journey while providing brands and retailers with the traceability they need. Our proprietary system can track two fibers: U.S. Cotton (verified country of origin) and Protocol Cotton (measuring against farm-level sustainability metrics). This ensures responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency, and helps meet sustainability targets and reporting needs.
Collaboration with Cascale, ISEAL, and Textile Exchange ensure alignment with industry best practices and drive continuous improvement in the resilience and sustainability of U.S. cotton production.
A Letter From Our President
As we navigate the complexities of the global cotton industry, this year’s annual report reflects not only the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol’s continued progress, but also our unwavering commitment to supporting growers amidst a challenging economic landscape.
While we celebrate achievements in acreage enrollment, grower participation, and environmental improvements, we recognize that these are challenging times for many in the cotton industry. Declining commodity prices, rising input costs, and the ever-present realities of a changing climate place immense pressure on our growers.
Yet, even in the face of these challenges, the dedication of U.S. cotton growers to sustainability remains strong. This commitment is evident in the environmental gains outlined in this report, from improved water use and energy use efficiency to enhanced soil health and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.
The Trust Protocol is dedicated to providing tangible value to our growers, not only through environmental stewardship, but also by enhancing market access and recognizing their commitment to responsible production. Our Climate Smart Cotton Program, for example, offers a pathway for growers to participate in the emerging carbon market, creating new revenue streams while advancing climate-smart practices.
We understand that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. The Trust Protocol is committed to working alongside our growers, providing the tools, resources, and support needed to navigate the challenges ahead and build a more resilient and sustainable future for U.S. Cotton.
Dr. Gary Adams
Become A Member Today
The Climate Smart Cotton Program, led by the Trust Protocol, is a 5-year initiative that presents a transformative opportunity for cotton growers, offering a range of benefits that go beyond sustainability. By joining this innovative initiative, growers can enhance their operations, profitability, and environmental stewardship, all while contributing to the long-term viability of the U.S. cotton industry.
The Trust Protocol’s purpose is to ensure that we contribute to a more sustainable and transparent world, by creating positive impact, measuring outcomes, driving innovation and assuring trust in U.S. Cotton.
These three pillars are underpinned by a commitment to integrity.
THREE
PILLARS
Environmental
Traceability
Continuous Improvement
News & Events
A collective of news and updates, expert insights, upcoming events and our latest reports.
