Respondents indicated that their biggest challenge in marketing organic cotton is competition from international organic cotton producers. The average price per pound received by farmers during 2004 ranged from 90 cents to $1.10 for organic upland cotton. Organic pima cotton prices ranged from $1.35 to $1.60 during 2004.
Respondents expressed the need for more educational resources on organic farming from local cooperative extension offices.
Their chief resources for staying current with organic standards were communications with other farmers and resources provided by OTA.
Asked what can be done to improve support for the long-term sustainability of organic cotton farms, they cited stable and sustainable prices, as well as more marketing efforts and further education to consumers and the supply chain concerning the value of organic cotton.
The mission of the OTA is to encourage global sustainability by promoting diverse organic trade. OTA envisions organic products becoming a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the environment. As a membership-based business association, the Organic Trade Association focuses on the organic business community in North America.
Organic Trade Association
marketing@alchempro.com
