Antonia Prescott explored Brazil’s cotton production system during a technical tour through the states of Goiás, Bahia and the Federal District
The Managing Director and Editor of Cotton Outlook, based in Liverpool, Antonia Prescott, visited Brazil during the first week of July to gain first-hand insight into the country’s cotton production system. Her itinerary included visits to the headquarters of the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa), cotton farms in the states of Goiás and Bahia, and the new fiber testing laboratory of the Bahia Cotton Growers Association (Abapa), providing an immersive experience across Brazil’s cotton production chain, from the field to fiber classification.
Recognized as one of the world’s leading sources of cotton market intelligence, Cotton Outlook plays a strategic role in analyzing the international cotton market and providing information that supports producers, exporters, manufacturers and buyers around the world.
Exploring Brazilian cotton production
In Goiás, Prescott visited the farm of cotton grower and Abrapa board member Carlos Alberto Moresco. Located in the municipality of Luziânia, the farm has begun harvesting the 2025/26 crop with expectations of strong yields. During the visit, Moresco highlighted the role of the Responsible Brazilian Cotton (ABR) program in promoting best management and farming practices that directly contribute to the quality and sustainability of the cotton Brazil exports worldwide.
“Our mission as cotton growers is to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Here in Goiás, we achieve this through the use of biological inputs, no-till farming and crop rotation. All of these practices are part of the ABR program protocol,” he said.
In Bahia, Prescott was welcomed by Abapa, where she had the opportunity to see first-hand the Brazilian cotton sector’s investments in technology, sustainability, traceability and fiber quality. She also exchanged experiences with growers and industry leaders during a visit to a farm operated by the Franciosi Group.
“This was my first visit to Brazil, and my goal was to gain a first-hand understanding of the country’s cotton production, trade and the entire cotton value chain, which is currently experiencing significant growth. I received an excellent welcome from both Abapa and Abrapa, and I would like to thank them for organizing such an enriching, informative and welcoming experience,” she said.
