Why Candiani Denim Believes Regenerative Cotton will Overtake Organic
In cotton sourcing, denim brands have a wider array of options today than before. Along with conventional cotton, there are also crops grown using organic and/or regenerative methods.
Around 70 percent of cotton grown in 2021 was made using industrial farming methods. Organic cotton adoption has been growing at the farm level, but it is still under 1 percent of the market. Making the switch to organic takes time since no prohibited pesticides and fertilizers can have been used for three years on the soil.
Candiani Denim sees the potential for regenerative farming practices to become more widely used than organic methods. Regenerative agriculture prioritizes soil health and biodiversity, two factors that contribute to a lessened environmental footprint. Healthier soil can hold more carbon dioxide as well as water, the latter of which lessens runoff of chemical-containing water. In addition to sustainable benefits, regenerative agriculture can help boost yields and profitability.
Cotton starts with seeds, and Candiani Denim worked with Gowan Seed Companyto develop Blue Seed, a hybrid variety that makes longer, stronger, soft fibers and a 20-30 percent greater lint yield over competitors. Blue Seed has the versatility to be cultivated with conventional or organic methods, and it was bred to be suitable for arid climates with less water and chemical needs. The seeds are not genetically modified, but rather created by cross-pollinating between two parents.
Watch the video below to hear about cotton myths and how the crop is evolving.