US organic cotton growers have planted the most acreage in 2014 since 1995. This despite grappling with limited seed supplies, persistent weeds and a shortage of seasonal labour, finds a report published recently. The Organic Trade Association (OTA), in its report titled ‘Preliminary 2014 US Organic Cotton Production & Marketing Trends’, reported a 14 per cent increase in organic cotton acres planted in 2014, from 15,973 in 2013 to 18,234, representing the largest planted organic cotton acreage in this country in almost 20 years.

OTA is committed to promote the growth of organic cotton industry and the organic fiber sector. The OTA report is based on a survey conducted in December of organic cotton growers in Arizona, California, New Mexico, North Carolina and Texas. West Texas is the leading organic cotton region in the country. As per the report, organic cotton acreage has been slowly but steadily growing for the past several years. In 2013, acres planted rose 6 per cent to 14,787. Production increased by almost 20 per cent to 10,335 bales in 2014.

Commercial supplies of organic seed continue to be another major hurdle, with genetically modified (GM) seeds now dominating the marketplace. US organic cotton growers enjoy a healthy market for their products, and command a premium over non-organic cotton. Sales of organic cotton have grown significantly in recent years as consumers seek out sustainable, chemical-free fiber. Organic fiber is now the largest non-food organic category in the market, with organic fiber sales in the US closing in on $1 billion in 2013.