As the Extension Organic Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, I work closely with organic cotton farmers to navigate the complexities of maintaining organic certification. Recently, issues surrounding the sourcing and certification of organic cotton seed have come to the forefront, particularly with the influx of imported planting seed from other countries. This situation is compounded by the stringent requirements of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and potential conflicts in international trade.
Key Issues with GOTS and Organic Cotton Seed
Contamination Risks
GOTS certifies cotton fiber from the gin facility to the mill but does not extend this certification back to planting cotton seed. This poses a significant risk for farmers, as even with rigorous adherence to organic practices, their crops can become contaminated through cross-pollination, especially in regions like the cotton belt where GMO crops are prevalent. Contamination, detected in seed cotton samples at the gin before ginning (raw cotton from the farm), can lead to farmers being excluded from organic certification for up to five years, creating severe economic and operational challenges.
Lack of Standardized GMO Thresholds
Currently, GOTS does not establish a GMO contamination threshold for cotton seed, which complicates the situation for organic cotton farmers. While many USA cotton seed companies work to maintain low levels of GMO contamination (usually below 5%), GOTS demands strict purity in the final product. This standard requires seed cotton (seed, leaves, stems) testing because it is the only part of the cotton plant containing DNA, where contamination can be detected. However, this rigid approach does not fully account for the post-planting natural cross-pollination risks that farmers face, such as GMO pollen carried by insects into organic fields. This discrepancy between the ideal purity GOTS seeks and the realities of farming highlights the need for a practical and fair standard that supports organic farmers without penalizing them for uncontrollable factors.
To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach involving key industry stakeholders is essential. Here’s how we can move forward:
1. Establishing a Fair GMO Contamination Standard:
Implementing a reasonable GMO contamination threshold for planting cotton seed would significantly alleviate the testing burden on farmers and prevent unjust penalties. This standard should be recognized and enforced by all organic certification bodies, including GOTS. If the plants grown from this approved cotton seed are tested and not the seed cotton at the gin the farmer would be protected from the natural potential of seed contamination.
2. Enhanced Collaboration Among Industry Stakeholders:
Seek advice and input from the industry, including farmers, Extension specialists, researchers, ginners, and manufacturers, to determine acceptable thresholds and protocols based on constraints faced by each group. This collaborative approach ensures that the standards are practical and attainable. We, here in Texas, represent the largest cotton production area in the world and want to be involved in this process.
3. Advocating for Policy Changes:
Engaging with policymakers and certifiers to establish upfront certification for cotton seed would ensure farmers have a clear understanding of the seed quality they are purchasing. Specific policies might include establishing minimum GMO thresholds and clear guidelines for contamination levels, mitigating risks, and supporting farmers in maintaining their organic certification. With upfront testing by seed companies and certifications from USDA, gins could operate more confidently, alleviating the burden not only on farmers but also on the ginning facilities themselves.
Addressing Import Issues
The reliance on non-GMO cottonseed imported from other countries, while possibly beneficial in the short run, introduces additional complications. Political and economic instability can disrupt supply chains, and without stringent testing, the risk of unintended contamination remains. Developing robust testing protocols, such as frequent sampling and standardized testing methods, for all imported seed is crucial to ensure they meet the same standards required domestically. It will also create a more transparent, open and balanced business environment for all.
Conclusion
The path to resolving these issues is through collaboration, standardization, and proactive policymaking. By working together, we can create a fair and sustainable environment for organic cotton farmers, ensuring their efforts are recognized and supported throughout the supply chain.
Texas A&M AgriLife Organic 