Egypt announces the official launch of a Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) Programme in Egypt, aiming to improve Egyptian cotton sustainability for better integration in global value chains and support farmer livelihoods through the adoption of more sustainable practices.
The BCI Programme was instigated in the framework of the Egyptian Cotton Project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, to enhance the sustainability, inclusiveness, and value addition of the Egyptian cotton value chain.
This project is implemented by UNIDO on behalf of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Leveraging on the “Cottonforlife” CSR initiative by Filmar Network, the Egyptian Cotton Project has worked closely with local and international textile private sector stakeholders.
Similarly, the BCI program will be implemented in collaboration with local partners, the Cotton Research Institute, and Implementing partners, ALKAN and Modern Nile Cotton, in Kafr El Sheikh and Damietta Governorates, Egypt.
As of the 2020-21 cotton season, farmers in Egypt who participate in the BCI Programme may be eligible to receive a license to grow and sell certified ‘Better Cotton’.
In 2019, BCI initiated a trial project with the Egyptian Cotton Project to train cotton farmers on the Better Cotton Initiative’s approach to sustainable cotton production.
Following a successful trial project and completion of the necessary new country start-up process, Egypt officially became a new BCI Programme country in May 2020 as part of a renewed drive in the country to increase sustainability and improve conditions for Egyptian cotton farmers.
“We are glad that Egypt has joined BCI, a program that aims to embed social, environmental, and economic sustainability into cotton production. Sustainability is nowadays a necessary condition to respond to international markets' demand. Through the BCI approach, based on market transformation and multi-stakeholder participation, we will work to boost Egyptian cotton exports and help our white gold retake its due position in the global value chains” said Cherine Khallaf, Chairperson of Development Projects Council of the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Egypt
“The Egyptian Cotton project looks forward to implementing the Better Cotton Standard System in Egypt to support and advance the Egyptian cotton industry in a sustainable way. We care for the farmers and the environment while supporting the country’s economy - through this multi-stakeholder joint program, coordinated by UNIDO” said Riccardo Savigliano, Project Manager and Division Chief at UNIDO.
In celebration of a successful cooperation initiative, Alan McClay, CEO of BCI, shared, “I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to all parties for their efforts during the preparation phase. I look forward to the implementation of the Better Cotton Standard System in Egypt with continued capacity building in collaboration with key stakeholders, hoping to include all cotton farmers in the country in due course.”
Ongoing training to support the implementation of the Better Cotton Standard System by Egyptian farmers and smallholders currently cover essential preparation methods for the upcoming cotton season as well as raise awareness on Better Cotton Principles and Criteria for more sustainable cotton cultivation. However, to ensure the safety of farmers, farmworkers and on-the-ground partners during the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic, innovative methods are being employed by temporarily delivering the program’s trainings via digital online platforms instead of in-person field trainings; respecting of precautionary and safety measures set by the government.
Dr. Hesham Mossad, Director of Cotton Research Institute, the local counterpart supporting the implementation of the BCI Programme in Egypt also shared that the Cotton Research Institute has an inclusive plan aiming to develop and sustain cotton production in Egypt.
The plan focuses on the cotton grower as a key pillar in the cotton value chain, as well as growing conditions and the surrounding environment. He added that last year the Cotton Research Institute served as a hub for farmers, to convey the best production practices, to reduce use of water, pesticides, and fertilizers, contributing to the environmental impact.
The Institute has been cooperating with BCI and UNIDO’s teams to start implementing the Better Cotton Standard System in Egypt.
“The Cotton Institute gives a high priority to support and cooperate with the BCI and UNIDO esteemed teams in the implementation of the Better Cotton Standard System in Egypt until all of Egypt’s cotton area is covered with ‘Better Cotton’ [cotton grown by licensed BCI Farmers], and included Better Cotton in the regional varietal map later.” Said Dr. Mossad.
Dr. Felice Longobardi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Cairo, highlighted that “in its long-standing commitment to support Egyptian agriculture, the Italian Cooperation has taken the lead in enhancing the value chain of cotton production in the country. I am confident that Egypt’s collaboration with the Better Cotton Initiative will not only advance the socio-economic conditions of Egyptian farmers, but it will also drive the sector towards a sustainable and successful future.”
On highlighting the importance of private sector cooperation, CEO of Filmar Network Marco Marzoli stated, “Filmar is very proud of being part of this great achievement. We will continue working to support the Better Cotton Initiative in Egypt and in the world by sourcing our cotton as ‘Better Cotton’ and by raising awareness of our customers about cotton sustainability.”
About the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) — a global not-for-profit organization — is the largest cotton sustainability program in the world. In the 2018-19 cotton season, together with on-the-ground partners, BCI provided training on more sustainable agricultural practices to 2.5 million farmers from 23 countries. They are truly a joint effort, encompassing organizations all the way from farms to fashion and textile brands to civil society organizations, driving the cotton sector towards sustainability. Thanks to the support of on-the-ground partners and members, Better Cotton accounts for around 22% of global cotton production.
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