A continental country like Brazil offers geographical and climatic conditions for a wide variety of crops, and it’s no wonder cotton found the perfect soil here to develop and thrive. Today, Brazil is one of the largest producers and exporters of cotton in the world, cultivating a history of evolution, resilience, responsibility, and innovation.
With a history of resilience and innovation, Brazil has achieved the status of becoming one of the largest producers and exporters of cotton globally. The seeds planted in our fields today carry responsibility, respect, quality, and innovation.
Did you know that only 2% of Brazil’s territory is dedicated to cotton cultivation?
Yet, the numbers are astonishing:
199 million ha of planted area
(+195%)
367 million tons of cotton lint produced (+134%)
1,841 kg/ha in productivity
661% of native forests preserved
*Greater than the last harvest. Data from the 2023/24 harvest.
From planting to export, our cotton receives intensive attention in a vertically integrated and demonstrably responsible process. The socio-environmental certification at every step reflects the Brazilian cotton industry’s commitment to constant sustainability improvements throughout the supply chain.
(ABR)
ABR-UBA
(PQAB)
(ABR LOG)
More than 90% of our cotton is produced under what we call a “dryland” system, without artificial irrigation. This method not only conserves water resources but also demonstrates the adaptability of Brazil’s climate. We are the world’s number one in productivity under this system!
Constant innovations contribute to greater sustainability and production efficiency.
Cotton shares planting areas with other crops such as corn, soybeans, beans, and others.
Crop rotation is crucial for preserving soil health.
Over 80% of Brazilian cotton production holds environmental certification through the ABR (Responsible Brazilian Cotton) program. This certification is based on three pillars: environmental, social, and economic, ensuring integrated and effective sustainability across all sectors.
Brazil’s environmental legislation is known for encompassing strict laws that aim to protect biomes, forests, and water resources, establishing clear guidelines for the sustainable use of the environment. The Brazilian Forest Code, for instance, mandates the preservation of 35% of native vegetation and sets clear limits on land use, reinforcing Brazilian cotton farming’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
On the social front, our farms act as engines for the development of communities. In addition to generating jobs – all aligned with current labor laws and contributing to the local economy – many of our production units are also committed to promoting education, from providing foundational schooling for local children to offering skills training for adults.
Brazil is one of the few countries in the world that offers bale-to-bale traceability. This system provides access to information about each harvest, as well as quality data. Learn everything about traceability.
Our cotton undergoes continuous improvement, evidenced by our quality data. From investment in technology for seed development to the quality control program – through which 100% of the fiber undergoes HVI analysis – everything is focused on evolving, season after season.
Brazil is a country of continental dimensions and offers an ideal geography and climate for cotton cultivation. Cotton is grown in many states across the country, each with its own planting and harvesting period. Discover:
The constant pursuit of innovation is not new.
It began decades ago with the resilient and determined spirit of our farmers. From being a major importer, Brazil has become one of the world’s largest cotton exporters, but it wasn’t without crises, pests, rebuilding, and growth along the way.
Indigenous peoples of Brazil were already using cotton fiber to produce rustic fabrics before the Portuguese arrival.
Fiber production reaches unprecedented commercial levels, becoming an important economic activity in Colonial Brazil.
Brazil gains prominence in the global market as one of the largest producers and exporters of cotton.
This small insect brought in from abroad devastated cotton fields, especially in the Northeast, destroying entire growing areas.
800,000 workers lost their income due to the insect infestation. Changes in Brazil’s economic policy also contributed to a more than 60% reduction in the planted area.
Farmers began to rebuild, using new technologies and investing in the country’s Midwest, where cotton adapted well, creating a promising future.
Abrapa (Brazilian Cotton Growers Association) was founded, an entity that organized farmers and helped disseminate good agricultural practices and implement innovations in cotton cultivation.
The farm is where cotton’s long journey begins. This is where many people dedicate their lives to ensuring the world’s industry is supplied with quality and transparency. Meet some of our workers.
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