The US Cotton Trust Protocol has announced its sixth straight year of growth, expanding both its planted acreage and the number of enrolled growers.

A voluntary sustainability program for US cotton, the Trust Protocol covers 2.58 million planted acre, an 18 per cent increase from last year. The number of participating growers also rose by 14 per cent from 2024 to 1,512. This consistent growth highlights how valuable the program has become for US cotton farmers, especially with today's fluctuating input costs, changing weather patterns, and shifting market conditions.

By joining the Trust Protocol, growers get actionable, data-driven insights. These insights help them understand their environmental impact, fine-tune their farming methods, and boost overall efficiency. This allows them to show their dedication to responsible practices through clear measurement and verification.

Daren Abney, Executive Director, the Trust Protocol, states, the continued increase in grower participation in the Trust Protocol means more sourcing opportunities for brands and retailers worldwide, including better access to US Cotton and Protocol Cotton., This steady increase shows the value growers find in our program as they look for ways to become more resilient against current economic and environmental challenges, he adds.

The Trust Protocol offers a transparent and verifiable system for tracking US Cotton and Protocol Cotton all the way to the finished product. This gives brands and retailers the confidence they need to meet their sourcing goals and reporting requirements. Currently, the program boasts over 2,500 mill and manufacturer members globally, along with more than 45 international brands such as Ralph Lauren, Gap, Levi's, Carhartt, J Crew, and Urban Outfitters.