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Farmer
Farmers are individuals who wish to/are implementing sustainable cotton production according to the Better Cotton Initiative Standard. They are classified into three categories – small, medium, and large scale – based on their cotton production area and their structural dependence on employing permanent workers (working 12 months a year).
Farmers who are deemed to be producing according to the Good Cotton Principles and Criteria - Minimum Indicators are called Licensed Good Cotton Farmers, and only cotton produced by these farmers can be sold as "Good Cotton". Farmers with a Good Cotton license produce cotton in a way that respects people and the environment; water, soil health and natural habitats, and provides decent working conditions for their workers.
In the BCI Standard System, small and medium-sized farmers are grouped under Producer Units (PUs), and licensing is done at the PU level. Large farmers, on the other hand, participate in this system and licensing process individually.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF SMALL & MEDIUM-SIZED FARMERS
Participating in trainings and awareness-raising activities organized by the Producer Unit (PU).
By adopting the information and best practices shared through education and awareness-raising activities, the company aims to produce its cotton using more sustainable methods.
To produce in accordance with the Minimum Indicators defined by farm categories in the Good Cotton Principles and Criteria.
Maintaining records of input and output data at the farm level; using these records to help the UB monitor the progress farmers are making in implementing the Good Cotton Standard and understand its impact.
Where deemed necessary (based on sample results), the company will undergo licensing or surveillance assessments within the company, conducted by BCI or BCI-approved third-party independent auditors, to determine compliance with the Minimum Indicators.
To physically separate harvested Good Cotton from conventional (traditional, other) cotton throughout all stages of harvesting, storage, transportation, and sales.
To keep the License Number assigned to him safe and only share it with the ginning plants he sells to.
To maintain and keep records/documents relating to Good Cotton sales.
BENEFITS OF THE BCI STANDARD SYSTEM FOR FARMERS
Farmers, their families, and workers are the primary beneficiaries of the Good Cotton Standard System.
The Good Cotton Standard is designed for small and medium-sized farmers with a neutral cost. Through the Implementing Partner (IP), capacity building and licensing activities for farmers participating in the system under the GCP are supported by the GCP Manager and Field Facilitators, without requiring additional costs.
High quality standard (Better Cotton)
Empowerment of farmers and workers through organization.
Empowering farmers through the organization of the Farmers' Union and the support of the Union, facilitating opportunities for cooperation/collective action.
Reducing input costs (Keeping regular records of farm input and output, monitoring and evaluating these records over the years, helps increase profitability in production.)
It helps meet the demand for Better Cotton in the supply chain and ensures that farmers are at the heart of this supply chain.
Long-term sustainability of agricultural activities (soil fertility, environmental health)
Health and working conditions improve for farmers, workers, their families, and consequently in cotton-producing regions.
Farmers' access to information becomes easier and increases.
Thanks to the participatory approach of the BCI Standard, the views and suggestions of farmers are taken into account.