The Regenerative Cotton Standard® (RCS) continues to expand its global footprint, with verified farmers in Tanzania increasing by nearly 88% year-over-year to approximately 37,000. India has also seen growth, adding nearly 5,000 certified farmers, highlighting the increasing adoption of sustainable cotton practices in these regions. The standard aims to bolster small-scale farmers' resilience, productivity, and environmental stewardship, benefiting soil health, biodiversity, and rural communities.
In India, implementation was rated highly, with significant improvements in transparency, fairness, and working conditions, alongside initiatives to enhance soil health and biodiversity. This included expanding demonstration sites and increasing farmers' access to protective gear and water efficiency tools. Similarly, in Tanzania, verifiers noted strengthened farm resilience, improved market access for crop rotation, and collaborative efforts with authorities to conserve ecosystems and protect endangered species. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture, as verified through independent assessments involving on-site inspections and stakeholder interviews. Leading the initiative, Alexandra Perschau from AbTF praised the farmers' dedication to meeting rigorous RCS criteria and advancing regenerative practices.