Conventional cotton farming is related to a range of environmental risks. One way to reduce negative impacts is to move to organic farming. To drive change, ALDI has launched the Cotton in Conversion project in India.
In 2022, the ALDI SOUTH Group and ALDI Nord Group launched a project to support approximately 1,000 smallholder farmers in India switch from conventional to organic cotton farming. The project was carried out in cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Organic agricultural practices mitigate the environmental impact of cotton production by eliminating synthetic chemicals, thus enhancing soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. Additionally, they reduce water consumption, energy demand, and CO2 emissions. Organic farming systems also positively impact the livelihoods of farmers and the health of local communities. Currently, organic cotton only accounts for approximately 1% of the global cotton market. Our long-term goal is to increase the availability of organic cotton.
Find out more about our actions for more sustainability in producing and sourcing cotton.
Organic agricultural practices mitigate the environmental impact of cotton production by eliminating synthetic chemicals, thus enhancing soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. Additionally, they reduce water consumption, energy demand, and CO2 emissions. Organic farming systems also positively impact the livelihoods of farmers and the health of local communities. Currently, organic cotton only accounts for approximately 1% of the global cotton market. Our long-term goal is to increase the availability of organic cotton.
Find out more about our actions for more sustainability in producing and sourcing cotton.
Transitioning to organic farming - how does it work?
The transition from conventional to organic cotton farming can take up to three years, based on the organic standard. The European Union, for example, requires a 24 month transition period, while other countries such as India and the United States (USA) require 36 months. During this time, the cotton produced is not yet certified. Farmers need to take action and implement all requirements to achieve organic standards.
For many smallholder farmers, this three-year transition is a major obstacle. It comes with yield loss and higher production costs. They only receive a higher price for their cotton in the fourth year - once it is certified organic. During the transition period, ALDI provides support to these farmers. Through our local partners, we offer training on agricultural practices, distribute high-quality organic seeds, and provide guidance on natural fertilisers, organic pesticides, and soil fertility.
Gaining insights into cotton production in India
India is the world’s largest producer of cotton, accounting for approximately 23% of global production. To gain insights into the local cotton industry and organic farming practices, our International Sustainability team visited India in 2022. Together with our implementation partners, we met the smallholder farmers involved in this project. Many participants shared their experiences regarding the benefits and challenges of organic cotton cultivation. Some noted improved health conditions due to pesticide avoidance, while others highlighted yield losses during the transition.
Key insights from our interactions with farmers and organizations included the significance of access to high-quality seeds and training in natural pest control, both facilitated by our on-ground implementation partners.
From seed to garment - the origin of ALDI cotton products
As well as supporting the farmers in their transition, we have an obligation to support the demand for "in-conversion to organic cotton" - by selling products made from it. The cotton from our project in India gets used for our own-brand products. For example, it was used in our cosy ALDI family pyjamas, which were available in several European markets by February 2023.
