SUSTAINABILITY
Committed to Becoming A Leader in Sustainable Cotton Production
Sustainability for the Australian cotton industry means creating environmental, economic and social value, while running profitable and efficient cotton farming businesses. We're proud of our continuous improvements in many areas and recognise that more can be done in others. We believe that like growing cotton, sustainability is a complex and never-ending quest to improve towards our goal to be a global leader in sustainable cotton production.
The myBMP (Best Management Practices) Program
myBMP is the Australian cotton industry’s cotton certification program. Established over 25 years ago, the program provides a framework and the practical tools required to continually improve environmental performance on Australia's cotton farms. This program has underpinned the industry’s sustainability performance over many years, helping growers to improve practices, reduce environmental impact and regenerate their farms.
To find out more, please click here.
PLANET. PEOPLE. PADDOCK.
Sustainability Framework and Targets
PLANET. PEOPLE. PADDOCK. is the Australian cotton industry’s sustainability framework that sets a pathway and future direction for the industry's investments and action.
The PLANET. PEOPLE. PADDOCK. Sustainability Framework aims to:
- Set ambitious industry-wide Australian cotton sustainability targets for eight priority sustainability topics including water, climate change and biodiversity
- Coordinate existing work and new investments to achieve these targets
- Engage effectively with stakeholders on action and progress
- Provide a united vision for further possible change.
Click here for full data pack of targets, indicators and baselines.
Sustainability Reporting
The Australian cotton industry is committed to producing a Sustainability Report at least every five years. These reports outline how the industry is tracking against sustainability targets, and report on environmental, economic and social performance. Each year, the Australian cotton industry also undertakes an annual update report.
2021 Australian Cotton Sustainability Update Report.2019 Australian Cotton Sustainability Report.
2014 Australian Cotton Sustainability Report.
Whole Of Industry Environmental Assessments
The Australian cotton industry was the first cotton industry in the world to conduct a full, independent environmental audit of its operations to benchmark sustainability performance and impact and devise industry-wide measures for improvement. The first environmental audit was conducted in 1991, uncovering major issues with pesticide use and providing the impetus for the development of the myBMP (Best Management Practices) program.
Subsequent audits were conducted in 2003 and 2012 with a third due for publication in 2023.
For copies of the reports, please click here.Australian Cotton Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by world leaders at a United Nations Summit in 2015. These goals, along with their associated targets and indicators provide a framework for the world to transform for the good of its people and the natural environment.
While the Australian cotton industry’s global footprint and reach is relatively small, Cotton Australia believes that every individual, organisation, business, government and industry on the planet has a role to play in achieving the SDGs.
This document outlines how the Australian cotton industry is contributing towards this important global framework.
For more information on Australian Cotton Sustainability
www.australiancotton.com.auwww.cottonaustralia.com.au
www.crdc.com.au
www.myBMP.com.au