It’s the pinnacle of cotton events - a conference where the entire industry converges to discuss the future of Australian cotton.
Every two years, growers, industry professionals and experts come together, participating in plenary sessions, workshops and networking events, all focused on futureproofing the industry.
This year, brands and customers were front and centre at helping drive positive change and impact for the future.
Almost 3000 attendees participated in plenary sessions, workshops and networking events, all focused on futureproofing the industry. As the cotton industry evolves to meet new supply chain demands, brands and retailers joined farmers, researchers, scientists and agronomists at the conference to learn and collaborate on the future of Australian cotton.
At this year’s conference, Cotton Australia welcomed brand and retail delegates who not only attended sessions to learn about farming and production but presented to growers and industry about their roles in the supply chain, and the growing demands they face.
Aldi’s Buying Director, Nicola Mendoza, participated in a panel about her time at Camp Cotton, and shared how she has implemented what she learned on tour at Aldi.
“My favourite part of the Conference has been going to the talks and learning about all the different technology that’s emerging, the AI and research that’s impacting the cotton industry … so brands like us can continue to use Australian cotton into the future.” Nicola said.
“The conference has been great to experience agriculture and what also feeds into the cotton industry other than my contribution from the brand side. I’m very product focused, and so to see all the support behind it, all the science and different industries that support our farmers has been interesting.”
Listening to sessions and interacting with farmers and industry was an opportunity for Better Cotton’s Senior Manager Large Farm Programmes and Partnerships, Alvaro Moreira, to get the latest updates about Australian cotton.
“I had the opportunity to get inside how the cotton industry in Australia is preparing for the future and that’s something that has really impressed me, the capacity of the growers to really question themselves, challenge what they’re doing, and strive for excellence,” Alvaro said.
“It’s great to see this is not a single stakeholder initiative, it’s the whole industry together pushing for innovation and more sustainability and progress overall.”
Also from Better Cotton, Jacky Broomhead, who visited Australia earlier in the year and toured the Darling Downs region, was impressed by the detail and planning of the conference.
“Of all the conferences I’ve been to around the world, I’ve never been to a conference that has a free kids club, I think I was really impressed with the level of thought but also the inclusivity so mothers and families can attend the conference,” Jacky said.
“There has been a lot of discussion about legislation that’s not happening in Australia but is really impacting Australian growers, especially from the EU but also in the US relating to traceability, due diligence or green claims.
From London, Debra Guo, Cotton and Crops Lead for Textile Exchange was able to see first hand all the technology and solutions that are reducing the impact of farming, in the 130-exhibitor strong trade hall.
Debra also presented in the session Behind the Swingtag: What’s Driving Brands.
“I feel the growers that I’ve spoken to have so much interest and curiosity with what brands are doing with their data and where these requests are coming from,” Debra said.
“That’s been wonderful. I think there’s interest from both sides to work more closely together.”
Cotton Australia’s Cotton to Market Lead Brooke Summers has attended the Conference since 2000 and has worked in the industry for more than 20 years.
Brooke said the industry was starting to focus more on the global situation, including new requirements arising from global legislation, ESG reporting requirements and the sustainability commitments of brands.
“The conversation at Conference has definitely shifted towards how we need to prepare the industry for the many changes and challenges emerging in our global markets, and we heard that message across many of the sessions," Brooke said.
"While we have always been committed to growing a premium, sustainable natural fibre loved by our customers, our growers and industry are aware that customer needs are changing. We need to ensure that we protect farmer data and build effective systems and processes to create value for all of the investments they’ve made over decades.
“It’s so satisfying to see a diversity of views from along the supply chain come together at Conference, pose the challenging questions and together work out how we should move forward."