Organic In-Conversion

The differences between the cultivation of conventional and organic cotton are enormous, it's a no-brainer: the cultivation of the latter does not require pesticides and other chemical products, requires much less water and allows farmers to work in better conditions. Cherry on the cake: it is of excellent quality, which gives products a more durable and pleasant finish.

Except that for the moment, organic agriculture covers... 1% of the cotton culture in the world.

Cotton in conversion

First of all, let's go back to the past

In recent years, consumers are expressing more and more concern about the impact of textiles on the planet (GREAT, Right?). Except that the industry giants are taking note and responding in masses to this growing need. Then it became clear, the race to organic cotton started.

This impulse is shaking up the world of organic cotton, once equivalent to conventional cotton, the prices of organic cotton began dangerously swelling.

Please keep in mind that organic cotton prices surpass those of basic cotton. This is a rather logical, given that the cultivation of organic cotton is more expensive for farmers, and as big believers of Faire Trade and other certificates concerning the conditions of the farms and farmers, the prices of organic cotton are higher that the normal one.

That's exactly why the famous brand Patagonia took the initiative to launch the cotton in conversion in 2020. The principle? Encourage the cultivation of organic cotton by selling at a fair price the textile from former conventional cotton fields, recently converted to organic farming.

How does it work exactly?

To make his field organic, the farmer takes several steps...

Simply put: these freshly organic crops meet strictly the same requirements as those already on the market.However, it can take up to 3 years for these fields to obtain organic certification... And it is this certification that allows the farmers to obtain a remuneration that is commensurate with their expenses and their efforts to move towards a more sustainable culture.So that's what in-conversion cotton is: cotton that is not officially organic but meets ALL the criteria to be organic. Still, we think it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.

Why choose cotton in-conversion?

For the planet 🌿

In-conversion cotton farming is more environmentally friendly than the overwhelming majority of cotton fields in the world. With no questionable chemicals or excessive energy and water use, it is as exemplary a model for agriculture as organic cotton. As good supporters of Mother Nature, we can only applaud the approach.

For ethical reasons 🤝

The transition from conventional to organic cotton has a cost for farmers. Without chemicals that tend to boost the soil, the production of a field will drop considerably in the first years of conversion... And without the possibility of being properly paid, you can imagine that this perspective is far from being joyful for the farmers.Supporting the sale of in-conversion cotton is therefore a human gesture: it is to offer one's gratitude to the farmers who have decided to make the textile sector healthier. They are worth it.

To prevent the price of organic cotton from rising 💰

Without cotton in conversion, no organic cotton. Without organic cotton, a demand without answer. And without demand response, organic cotton prices skyrocket...The three-year transition period is not particularly attractive to farmers at first glance - and understandably so. It has the potential to turn them away from a transition and stall the progress of organic cotton in the market. Considering that demand for organic cotton is expected to grow 84% by 2030, losing the participation of willing farmers could put a huge dent in the market.Here is the list of our cotton products in conversion:

Sources: Textile Exchange, Economic Times