Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol? Find the information you’re looking for here.
What is the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol?
As the voluntary, field-level sustainability program and traceability platform for U.S. Cotton, the Trust Protocol provides the data, resources, and traceability members need to succeed.
Growers gain data-driven insights to improve their environmental footprint, while brands gain verifiable data and robust traceability to meet stakeholder expectations and build trust.
Why was the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol created?
Brands and consumers were demanding more sustainable practices, and U.S. cotton growers needed a way to show they were already leading the way.
We brought everyone to the table – from those in academia, research, and the entire supply chain from the fields to the store shelves – to build a program to prove, measure and verify responsible growing practices while driving innovation and supporting growers with insights and resources. In 2020, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol was launched.
What is the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol’s purpose, mission, vision, and values?
| Purpose: | To contribute to a more sustainable and transparent world, by creating positive impact, measuring outcomes, driving innovation and assuring trust in U.S. Cotton. |
|---|---|
| Mission: | To create a sustainable standard for U.S. Cotton that is data-powered, traceable by design, and generates positive impact through the global cotton value system – from farms to finished product. |
| Vision: | To be the world’s most trusted fiber program where full traceability is a reality and continuous, measurable improvement of our environmental footprint sets the standard for the global market. |
| Core Values: | A commitment to U.S. Cotton’s legacy of authenticity, innovation and excellence, environmental stewardship, caring of people, and personal and corporate integrity. |
How does the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol ensure traceability and transparency in the cotton supply chain?
The Trust Protocol empowers brands and retailers to make informed sourcing decisions with complete traceability of U.S. Cotton and Protocol Cotton. We provide clear visibility into the journey of the cotton, verifying its origin and credentials every step of the way. This article-level transparency builds consumer trust, strengthens brand reputation, and supports brands commitment to responsible sourcing.
Our platform is designed for the precise tracking of U.S. Cotton and Protocol Cotton. It captures detailed transaction data and maintains fiber inventory, requiring active participation from all supply chain members to ensure data accuracy. This technology offers improved inventory reconciliation, increased data accuracy, and AI-powered document verification, providing a robust and reliable traceability solution.
What is the difference between U.S. Cotton and Protocol Cotton?
U.S. Cotton is renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality and consistent performance. With its low contamination levels and cutting-edge production methods, U.S. Cotton provides brands and retailers with verified origin through country-level tracking. When you choose U.S. Cotton, you’re choosing a source you can trust, backed by a commitment to excellence.
Grown exclusively by Trust Protocol growers, Protocol Cotton builds upon the strengths of U.S. Cotton and enables brands and retailers to source fiber produced by a group of farms committed to measuring and improving their environmental footprint. This also facilitates more robust stakeholder communications, including on-product marketing, allowing you to share your commitment to responsible sourcing with greater confidence.
What key metrics are used by the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol?
The Trust Protocol provides farm-level data via Field to Market, measured by the Fieldprint Calculator, and third-party verified. This rigorous, multi-stage data collection and verification process begins with growers voluntarily sharing information about their sustainable farming practices. We track progress against six key metrics, providing a comprehensive view of the environmental impact of U.S. cotton production.
Water Use
Measuring water consumption and efficiency to minimize depletion of precious water resources.
Yield and Land Use
Analyzing land management practices to protect biodiversity and promote healthy ecosystems.
Soil Carbon
Monitoring soil health and carbon sequestration to enhance soil fertility and improve environmental sustainability.
Soil Conservation
Tracking erosion rates to preserve topsoil and maintain productive farmland.
Emissions
Quantifying emissions to identify opportunities for reduction and contribute to a lower environmental impact.
Energy Use
Measuring energy consumption to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Who can become a member of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol?
What are the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol membership categories and fees?
Trust Protocol members are required to pay an annual membership fee, which varies by category.
Membership Categories are:
When can growers enroll in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol?
Can both conventional cotton and organic cotton be part of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol?
Which countries’ cotton production is included in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol?
Who do I contact for help with my membership?
Email info@TrustUSCotton.org to be connected with a Trust Protocol representative who can help you through the process.