The fashion and textile industry will benefit from transiting to regenerative agriculture, says a new report from Textile Exchange. The report points to the rising interest in regenerative agriculture amongst brands. The no one-size fits all approach is gaining momentum in the industry as brands are analyzing the growing opportunity to engage meaningfully, says the report.

Titled ‘Regenerative Agriculture Landscape Analsis, the report is sponsored by Kering, J Crew Group and CottonConnect, it aims to give fashion and textile industries a framework and toolkit to credibly understand, implement and describe the benefits of work in the space. The report’s initial ‘Matrix of Regenerative Programs and Engagement Pathway’ equips brands to ask the correct questions to identify and support initiatives that align with their values. It also addresses an important gap seen in the discussion–the need to acknowledge the indigenous and Native roots of this concept and to include racial and social justice as critical components of any system termed regenerative.

Textile Exchange calls on brands to invest in inclusive and credible regenerative agriculture projects to boost the resilience of the industry within the planetary boundaries. Brands should also ensure that the direct stewards of the land, including Indigenous people, communities of color and farmers or their chosen representatives, have an active decision-making role in any regenerative project from the start, adds the report.