Brazil’s vast geographical and climatic diversity offers ideal conditions for a wide variety of crops, making it no surprise that cotton thrives here. Today, Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of cotton, a testament to its legacy of growth, resilience, and forward-thinking practices.
With a history of adaptability and creativity, Brazil has risen to become one of the largest producers and exporters of cotton globally. The seeds planted in our fields today embody responsibility, respect, quality, and ingenuity.
Did you know that only 2% of Brazil’s territory is dedicated to cotton cultivation?
Yet, the numbers are astonishing:
1.99 million ha of planted area
(+19,5%)*
*compared to the last harvest
2023/24 season
368 million tons of cotton lint produced (+13,4%)*
*compared to the last harvest
2023/24 season
1,8 kg/ha in productivity
*compared to the last harvest
2023/24 season
661% of native preservation and conservation areas
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.
More than 90% of our cotton is produced under what we call a “rain-fed” 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:
Indigenous peoples of Brazil were already using cotton fiber to produce rustic fabrics before the Portuguese arrival.
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 the Brazilian cotton-producing families from ABR.
Access the full listing of ABR-certified and BCI-licensed Production Units.
Stay up to date with all the news about Brazilian cotton.
