More than 50 delegates from 18 countries swapped offices, showrooms and sourcing meetings for the fields of the Namoi Valley this year as part of Camp Cotton 2026 - Cotton Australia’s flagship industry immersion program designed to connect global brands directly with Australian cotton growers, researchers and the land they work on.
Representatives from brands and NGO's including VF Corporation, Kontoor Brands, Inc., Reformation, J. Crew and AS Colour took part in the program, kicked off by the inaugural Australian Natural Fibres Forum in Sydney, before delegates travelled west to the Namoi Valley.
Over two jam-packed days, delegates learned about water allocation and the use of AI on-farm at Breeza Station, before following cotton from the field through the ginning process at Australian Food and Fibre’s Narrabri gin.
The tour also included visits to Cotton Seed Distributors to learn about the GM cotton story, Federation Farm to see in-field innovations like Crop Capsules and drones, and the University of Sydney’s Plant Breeding Institute to explore biodiversity monitoring and research.
For many delegates, it was the first time they had ever stood in a cotton field despite having worked in fashion, textiles or sourcing for many years.
Seeing every stage of the supply chain firsthand - from research and seed development through to cotton harvest and ginning - gave delegates a practical understanding of the industry that is difficult to replicate in a sourcing meeting or sustainability report.
Throughout the tour, conversations focused on water management, chemical use, biodiversity, land stewardship and the role AI and technology is playing across Australian farming systems. Delegates were introduced to precision spraying, automation, plant breeding research and sustainability initiatives aimed at improving both on-farm efficiency and environmental outcomes.
Cotton Australia Chair Liz Stott said Camp Cotton is crucial for building trust across the supply chain.
“Bringing brands and retailers onto farm helps build trust in how Australian cotton is produced and gives them confidence in the sustainability behind the fibre,” she said.
In an industry increasingly shaped by consumer expectations around provenance and transparency, brands are under growing pressure to explain not just what products are made from, but where those fibres originate and how they are grown.
For Breeza grower James Pursehouse, hosting delegates on farm was an opportunity to close the gap between growers and consumers.
“Consumers want to know where their products are coming from, how it’s grown and what’s used to grow it,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase what we do and how we do it.”
Delegates consistently highlighted the impact of following cotton from the field through to the gin and gaining a clearer understanding of the collaboration between growers, scientists, researchers and brands.
Marcus Crook, founder of HoMie, said the level of innovation and cooperation across the industry stood out.
“Everyone is moving in the same direction and supporting each other,” he said.
“The way technology and innovation are being adopted to improve sustainability makes you proud of how progressive and forward-thinking Australia is in this space.”
For international brands, the tour also provided valuable context around the sometimes challenging conditions Australian growers operate in. With many cotton growing regions currently heading into a drier period, delegates gained a clearer understanding of why water efficiency and precision farming have become central to Australian cotton production, and crop production generally.
As global demand grows for traceable natural fibres, Camp Cotton continues to play an increasingly strategic role for the industry - not simply as a promotional exercise, but as a way of building long-term relationships between growers, brands and retailers. Delegates are also encouraged to connect with one another and post-event join a growing group of international “Camp Cotton Alumni”.
The program also highlighted the growing importance and opportunity for storytelling, with many delegates representing the marketing arm of their respective brands. Camp Cotton offers direct access to the people growing the fibre - and the stories behind it.
The 2026 program has now wrapped up, with follow-up engagement underway through Cotton Australia’s Cotton to Market team and discussions already taking place about showcasing the program and Australian cotton more broadly at international events.
Cotton Australia would like to thank the generous sponsors of Camp Cotton 2026: Commonwealth Bank Australia, Textile Exchange, Upper Namoi CGA, Lower Namoi CGA, Australian Food & Fibre (AFF) and Austrade, with additional support from AS Colour, Typo, Rabobank and Bayer.
Cotton Australia would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the growers, agronomists, researchers and many other industry members who donated their time, opening their farms and workplaces to share the Australian cotton story with delegates. This experience could not be achieved without your support.
Finally, the Cotton Australia team would like to thank the Camp Cotton Class of 2026 for not only attending, but for fully engaging in the experience - for asking fantastic questions, showing up each day with smiling faces and enduring a rather dramatic race to the finish! Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn made all the hard work worthwhile.
May 2026