Prominent figures in the Australian cotton industry, Scott Morgan, Adam Kay, Brooke Summers, and Allan Williams, recently made a significant impact at the Better Cotton Conference held in Amsterdam and other related forums. Their participation shed light on crucial issues such as climate action and sustainable practices, while sharing valuable insights gleaned from Australia’s extensive experience in the field. The attendance of these industry leaders was made possible by the support of the Australian Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program.
Representing different sectors within the cotton industry, Scott Morgan, a cotton grower from Gunnedah, Adam Kay from Cotton Australia, Brooke Summers from Cotton to Market, and Allan Williams from the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), returned from the global Better Cotton (BC) Conference and other forums with an enthusiastic emphasis on the exceptional quality of Australian cotton. The conference served as a platform for exploring pressing topics in sustainable cotton production, including climate action, traceability and data, sustainable livelihoods, and regenerative agriculture.
Drawing the attention of 330 attendees from 34 countries, the BC Conference in Amsterdam provided numerous opportunities for the Australian representatives to engage with the audience through round table discussions, on-stage presentations, and panel talks. According to Cotton Australia, the conference became a valuable forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Brooke Summers, highlighting the importance of quality data, emphasized that measuring sustainability impact is a fundamental requirement for cotton certifications like myBMP, as well as for meeting the demands of customers. A session dedicated to data collection allowed participants to gain a better understanding of the complexities and costs associated with data collection at the farm level. Summers expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We now have a much better understanding of the data requirements and motivations at both the farm and brand levels. We explored ways to align these needs, ensuring that everyone’s expectations are met.”
During the conference’s opening session, Adam Kay took the opportunity to discuss the Australian cotton industry’s dedicated efforts to mitigate climate change. Grower Scott Morgan, who holds myBMP certification and actively participates in the Better Cotton Program, shared his valuable knowledge on climate mitigation and adaptation strategies employed on his farm. This included his use of solar-powered pumps and his involvement in cotton circularity trials, which have garnered considerable attention and acclaim.
Following the BC conference, Brooke Summers attended the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, a major event that placed a significant emphasis on sustainability under the theme “Ambition to Action.” The conference received a royal touch with the opening remarks delivered by Princess Mary of Denmark. Additionally, Summers had the opportunity to participate in the Premiere Vision Show in Paris, a renowned international hub for fashion interactions, inspiration, know-how, innovation, and business. The event brought together fashion professionals to explore the best fabrics, fibers, and materials, with a focus on creating a more sustainable fashion industry from its very inception.
The attendance of the Australian representatives was made possible through the support of the ATMAC program. The program aims to foster stronger relationships with trading partners, neighboring countries, and international organizations, with the ultimate goal of expanding and enhancing market access for Australian agricultural products.
The remarkable contribution of Scott Morgan, Adam Kay, Brooke Summers, and Allan Williams at the Better Cotton Conference and other forums underscores Australia’s commitment to sustainable practices and climate action. Their insights and experiences are sure to shape the global conversation surrounding cotton production and pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible industry in the future.