The Pre-Organic Cotton (POC) program supports the transition of Indian farmers from growing conventional cotton to growing organic cotton through purchase agreements.

The POC program is a partnership between two Japanese companies, Itochu and kurkku, and works directly with Indian farmers to support organic cotton production. The transition to organic production involves a two to three year certification period, which is a barrier to farmers because cotton yields usually decline by 20% to 30% in the transition process, while prices for the cotton are unchanged until certification is achieved. To overcome this barrier, the POC program proactively purchases the not-yet-certified cotton at a higher price than farmers could obtain on the free market for uncertified organic cotton.

By supporting farmers’ transition to organic cotton, POC makes a positive impact on the environment, farmers’ health and living standards, and cotton buyers’ sustainable businesses.

Keisuke Era – Director, kurkku

The POC also supports the farmers’ transition process by providing them with non-GMO seeds and training in organic farming methods. The program builds and secures a supply of organic cotton for the project partners, and ensures transparency and improved supply chain efficiency.

According to the partnership, kurkku’s total sales increased by 500% between 2008 and 2012 as a result of the POC Program, showing that the market demand for more sustainable cotton is large.

Why you should care

Organic cotton farming has financial and health benefits for farmers, through higher market prices for the cotton and reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers. Even though global demand for organic cotton is growing, organic cotton accounts for less than 1% of total global cotton production. The POC program addresses the transition difficulties that cotton farmers face, aiming to enable thousands of farmers in India to make the transition to organic cotton production.

How the Global Goals are addressed

Decent Work and Economic Growth
The POC program ensures sufficient income for cotton farmers as they transition from conventional to organic cotton, creating decent working conditions and boosting the local economy.

Responsible Consumption and Production
This initiative relies on effective and transparent communication to consumers about the benefits of supporting farmers’ transition from growing conventional cotton to growing organic cotton.

Life on Land
Cotton occupies just 5% of all farmland in India, and yet accounts for nearly half the country’s pesticide use. Organic farming bans the use of any synthetic pesticides and encourages crop rotation, which is important for soil health and biodiversity.

Partnerships for the Goals
The partnership between Itochu Corporation and kurkku shows how large businesses can develop programs that are mutually beneficial for their businesses, whilst also promoting sustainable development.

About Itochu

Itochu Corporation is a Japanese corporation based in Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka and Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo. Itochu is the second-largest Japanese sogo shosha after Mitsubishi Corporation.