IAF’S Special Sessions: a dive into the world of cotton
During the third special session of IAF’S Convention, the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa) exposed Brazilian production and its technological level. Currently, Brazilian production holds two kinds of certifications: Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and Brazilian Cotton (ABR). To put it briefly, BCI is an international certification and ABR has a national scope, and 30% of all the BCI cotton in the world comes from Brazil. Those certifications ensure that cotton production complies with all labor rules, is sustainable, and enables traceability, based on social, environmental and economic pillars. “Today, 81% of producers hold an ABR certification, and 71% a BCI certification,” declared Abrapa’s Chairman, Mr. Arlindo de Azevedo Moura. Both organic and non-organic cotton may hold both certificates.
White Gold for all
Norfil presented its Paraíba Cotton project, aimed at increasing that State’s share in the cotton industry. Today, Paraíba is famous for cultivating naturally colored and organic cotton, but that State once had a large number of cotton farms. Norfil’s Commercial Director, Mr. Ariel Horovitz, detailed the project that strives to support small farmers investing in cotton plantation. “We guarantee purchases based on a pre-set price, so that it is advantageous for small producers to plant cotton instead of just food staples. In addition to that, we provide them with seeds, free technical assistance, and bags for harvesting, so that we can have quality cotton and help many families.” Mr. Horovitz also said they plan to expand the project all over Brazil.
Strengthening our vocations
As a special guest to give a lecture during Cotton panel, Mr. Paulo Borges, Director of the SPFW and CEO of company Luminosidade, talked about the importance that Brazil fulfills its destination to become a great nation, and that those who work in the fashion industry, such as businessmen, have to be resilient just like our industry is. “It is a fact that consumers will determine the product, and that technology will dictate the speed of fashion trends. Brazil has an urban fashion industry, but it is relaxed and has spirit.” Mr. Borges presented images of several fashion shows in which fashion designers employed cotton. “We need to strengthen our vocations in the entire production chain. We have to strengthen our core skills,” he concluded.
