Cotton Connect and The International Cotton Advisory Committee have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a collaborative partnership on knowledge sharing, innovation, environmental sustainability assessment and joint project initiatives.The collaborative partnership, covering an initial period of one year, represents the primary common interest between the two organisations. The relationship between Cotton Connect and ICAC is based upon the shared values of fairness, mutual respect, consulting in relevant decision-making, good communication, social accountability and transparency.The agreement covers four key areas of collaboration between Cotton Connect and ICAC:
ICAC and Cotton Connect can benefit from ongoing collaborative interactions. Since ICAC is the only intergovernmental association representing 25 cotton producing, consuming, and trading countries worldwide, it can serve as a valuable learning platform for Cotton Connect to learn through discussions on cotton issues of international significance. Cotton Connect can learn from ICAC and build on the sustainability component of cotton production, thus improving the progress and development of cotton sectors across its regions. ICAC can also learn from Cotton Connect’s extensive experience and share it with other members across the globe.
Innovation is a major issue within the cotton sector in light of pressing issues, including climate change, increasing productivity and improving farmer livelihoods. ICAC’s privileged relationships with major players afford it access to leading cotton researchers and scientists across the globe, who understand cotton from the field to the hand of the consumer. The Cotton Connect network stands to benefit greatly from these innovations and is ready to take advantage of those that are practical and feasible to implement. ICAC member countries may also benefit from Cotton Connect’s innovations in cotton. Collaborations like these could lead to new and joint innovations in the future.
Growing cotton has many challenges for the environment because of its water consumption and pollution, soil degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and use of harmful pesticides and fertilisers, ultimately undermining the industry’s ability to maintain future production. The challenge of bringing cotton production up to minimal environmental standards is immense.
Cotton Connect and ICAC are interested in discussing potential collaborations and joint projects that would benefit both parties. ICAC, for example, has embarked upon an impressive project aiming to double cotton’s earnings within four to five years. Cotton Connect sees great potential in collaborating with ICAC on such productive and innovative initiatives. Both parties are open to jointly developing and implementing innovative cotton projects and seeking investment from potential funders and donors.
