From November 16 to 18, the initiative will strengthen dialogue with European policymakers and industry stakeholders in Brussels, highlighting cotton’s contribution to sustainable development, climate resilience and Europe’s sustainability ambitions
Cotton Brazil will bring a strategic agenda to Brussels, Belgium, from November 16 to 18, aimed at strengthening relationships with European policymakers and industry stakeholders, sharing Brazil’s experience in responsible cotton production and identifying opportunities for international cooperation. The program includes a roundtable at the European Parliament, meetings with Brazilian diplomatic representatives and discussions with agricultural attachés from other natural fiber-producing countries.
One of the highlights of Cotton Brazil Dialogues Brussels will be the roundtable “The critical role of cotton in Europe’s sustainable ambitions ,” scheduled for November 17 at the European Parliament. Hosted by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Hélder Sousa Silva and supported by Cotton Brazil, the event will bring together cotton producers, industry representatives and European policymakers to discuss how large-scale agricultural production can support sustainability, climate resilience and the protection of natural resources.
Connecting global cotton with Europe’s sustainability ambitions
The discussion comes at an important moment, as Europe moves from broad sustainability ambitions towards concrete policies and regulatory frameworks that will shape how textiles are produced, sourced, used and reused. As the EU advances initiatives such as the Circular Economy Act and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, questions around circularity, resource efficiency, sustainable materials and responsible sourcing are becoming increasingly important for the global textile value chain.
Against this backdrop, the roundtable will explore the critical contribution of global cotton to Europe’s wider sustainability ambitions. As a natural fibre with an extensive global agricultural and industrial value chain, cotton has a role to play not only in the textile sector, but also in supporting international development, rural livelihoods and economic resilience.
“At a time when Europe is translating its sustainability ambitions into concrete policies, it is essential that the voices and experiences of producing countries are part of the conversation. Cotton Brazil Dialogues provides an opportunity to build bridges between producers, policymakers and industry stakeholders, demonstrating how responsible cotton production can contribute to shared sustainability objectives.” Lisa Ventura, Head of International Partnerships, Abrapa.
Combining large-scale cotton production with sustainability
The roundtable aims to position cotton as a global common good and demonstrate how scale and sustainability can go hand in hand. Cotton supports the livelihoods of approximately 100 million families worldwide, while the United Nations estimates that its extended value chain sustains some 300–350 million jobs, spanning farming, processing, ginning and logistics.
The discussion will also highlight the contribution of responsible cotton production to rural development, food systems and climate resilience, while exploring opportunities for continuous sustainability improvements across the global textile value chain.
Brazil’s experience in tropical agricultural systems will be central to the debate. The Brazilian delegation will share evidence and practical experience on how responsible agricultural practices, innovation and traceability can drive measurable progress in sustainability, while recognizing the different environmental and production contexts in which cotton is grown.
Strengthening dialogue between Brazil and the European Union
Beyond the roundtable, the Cotton Brazil delegation will meet with H.E. Pedro Miguel da Costa e Silva, Brazilian Ambassador to the European Union, on November 17. The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the main challenges and opportunities for Brazilian commodities in the context of EU policies and strengthen dialogue on shared priorities.
On November 18, the delegation’s agenda will include meetings with agricultural attachés, followed by a working lunch with representatives of other natural fibre-producing countries. Discussions will focus on regulatory and commercial challenges in the European market, as well as opportunities for cooperation and alignment among producing countries.
As European textile policy evolves, the agenda will also address how sustainability frameworks can encourage continuous improvement through transparent, science-based and consistent approaches. Particular attention will be given to circularity, traceability and responsible sourcing, and to the importance of recognising the diversity of global production systems and ensuring a level playing field across the textile value chain.
“With the EU-Mercosur Agreement creating new opportunities to strengthen ties between Brazil and Europe, this is an important moment to deepen cooperation on sustainability and trade. As Europe develops its policy frameworks, it is essential that these are grounded in science, recognise the diversity of global production systems and encourage continuous improvement across the textile value chain,” adds Lisa Ventura.
Through its Brussels agenda, Cotton Brazil aims to strengthen engagement with European stakeholders, raise awareness of Brazil’s experience in combining large-scale cotton production with responsible practices, and expand opportunities for continued cooperation on sustainability, traceability and the future of natural fibers.
About Cotton Brazil
Cotton Brazil is an initiative of the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa), the Brazilian Cotton Shippers Association (ANEA) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) aimed at promoting Brazilian cotton in the international market. The program seeks to expand the presence of Brazilian cotton in major consumer markets, strengthen relationships with buyers and textile industry representatives, and showcase the attributes of Brazilian cotton, with an emphasis on quality, competitiveness and responsible production.
