Better Cotton and Cotton Egypt Association (CEA)
inaugurated the launch of their renewed strategic partnership at a
multi-stakeholder event in Cairo.
The event brought together representatives from Better Cotton, CEA, Better Cotton’s Programme Partners in Egypt (Alkan, Modern Nile and El Ekhlas), and a number of leading Better Cotton retailer and brand Members, as well as these members’ suppliers.
Through a renewed strategic
partnership, announced
in summer, Better Cotton and CEA aim to further enhance the yields and
sustainability credentials of Egyptian cotton while ensuring fair working
conditions for farmers and workers.
At the event, participants
discussed opportunities to collaborate and what is required to increase the
uptake of more sustainable Egyptian cotton.
Attendees also visited a
Better Cotton licensed farm in Kafr El Saad, in the north of Egypt, where
farmers demonstrated sustainable agricultural practices and shared the
opportunities and challenges they faced.
“The event … provided the
opportunity for direct dialogue between Better Cotton producers, supply chain
actors and key stakeholders from the British retail industry, and it is
anticipated that it will result in increased demand for more sustainably
produced Egyptian cotton,” said Rachel Beckett, senior programme manager at
Better Cotton
Khaled Schuman, executive
director of Cotton Egypt Association added: “The great interest shown today by
retailers – and the support we have from all stakeholders in attendance – will
pave the way for more success, more production of Egyptian sustainable cotton
with Better Cotton’s standards, and more uptake from retailers.”
By Just Style