オーガニックフィールド ORGANIC FIELD

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Collaborating with cotton growers,
our commitment to organic conversion
begins with seed selection.
This is our ORGANIC FIELD®.
[2026.02.20]

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Collaborating with cotton growers, our commitment to organic conversion begins with seed selection.
This is our ORGANIC FIELD®.

ORGANIC FIELD is our initiative dedicated to supporting Indian cotton farmers in their transition to organic farming. Through this program, we aim to reduce environmental impact and improve their labor conditions in cotton-growing regions. We actively purchase “Cotton in Conversion” — cotton grown during the three-year transition period toward full organic certification. By doing so, we encourage more farmers to take the first step toward organic practices and help expand the adoption of organic agriculture. The cotton we source is carefully managed through an organic process from seed selection through to cotton cultivation and yarn production, and ensure its traceability.
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Why the Transition
to Organic Farming is Necessary

Conventional cotton farming relies on thousands of tons of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and it causes soil, water and air pollution. The use of these chemical substances has negative impacts on biodiversity and disrupts the ecological balance. This method of agriculture, along with forestry and other land uses, also generates a large share of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to organic methods not only helps reduce the impacts on the global environment, but also protects farmers’ health and improves their working conditions.

Why Organic Cotton
Has Yet to Become Widespread

Organic cotton still represents only 2.9% of global cotton production＊. One major reason behind this low percentage is the required three-year transition period before organic certification can be obtained. Transitioning farmland to organic takes a lot of time and effort, including improving soil health and eliminating chemicals. Cotton harvested during this period is referred to as “Cotton in Conversion”. Even though it is cultivated using the same methods as certified organic cotton, this cotton is not yet recognized as organic in the market, as the soil requires a certain period of time to meet organic standards. This lack of recognition and market value makes it difficult for farmers to commit to organic farming.
Our ORGANIC FIELD initiative addresses this challenge by not only providing guidance on organic farming techniques, but also paying a premium for cotton in conversion — from Year 1 (IC1) through Year 3 (IC3). This support encourages farmers to make the transition with confidence and we continue to support them even after certification is achieved.
*Textile Exchange. Materials Market Report 2025
https://textileexchange.org/knowledge-center/reports/materials-market-report-2025/
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ORGANIC FIELD Roadmap
2020-2024

ORGANIC FIELD was launched in response to the organic cotton fraud scandal that occurred in India in 2020, out of a sense of responsibility as a company handling cotton and a strong commitment to consistently deliver reliable organic cotton that consumers can trust.

2020
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  • Conducted feasibility studies for organic cotton cultivation in the Nagpur region of central India
  • Selected focus regions and invited local farmers to participate in the project
Gained support from approximately 1,500 farming households
2021
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  • Conducted a deeper investigation into the organic cotton fraud issue and identified its root causes, leading to a partnership with seed company NSL Group
  • Selected non-GMO seeds for cultivation
  • Began cotton farming with participating farmers
  • Reintroduced the benefits of organic agriculture to farmers to raise awareness and motivation
2021/11-12
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First harvest of cotton under the ORGANIC FIELD initiative

2022
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  • Strengthened technical training and education on organic farming practices
  • Provided instruction on proper cotton storage methods to minimize contamination
  • Supported farmers in the steady adoption of sustainable farming techniques
Welcomed additional participating farmers
2023
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Began preparing necessary documentation to ship cotton in the process of obtaining organic certification

2024
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Initiated support programs to help certified farmers move toward independent and self-sustaining operations

Farmers who joined the program in its first year successfully obtained GOTS certification under NPOP standards*
＊ NPOP : National Program for Organic Production by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India

Key Initiatives of ORGANIC FIELD

To help farmers successfully transition to organic farming and become self-reliant in the long term, ORGANIC FIELD is built around six core initiatives.
Through these efforts, we are contributing toward job creation and local community development.

01
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Formed a partnership with NSL, a leading seed company in India, to select and distribute non-GMO seeds to participating farmers.
02
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Provided education on organic cotton cultivation techniques and the knowledge required to obtain organic certification.
03
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Offered hands-on technical guidance from seed planting to harvest, including training in the production of organic fertilizers.
04
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To offset lower yields or quality in the early stages of conversion, we purchase cotton at a premium above market price to help farmers maintain financial stability.
05
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Continued support even after organic certification, to help farmers sustain organic cotton cultivation independently.
06
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Created opportunities for dialogue with farmers and held workshops in local schools to share information and knowledge about organic farming.

Reports from Farm

We regularly share on-the-ground updates from ORGANIC FIELD farms, including the cultivation and harvesting process, as well as progress on ongoing initiatives.

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[2026.02.20]
Farmers receive ongoing guidance from their agricultural cooperative on maintaining clean picking practices in accordance with organic and various certification standards, proper sun-drying techniques, and post-harvest sorting and storage management. These processes are critically important for ensuring quality and traceability. During the harvest period, certification bodies also actively engage in on-site activities. Through ongoing dialogue among producers, project staff, and certification body representatives, farmers deepen their understanding of certification requirements related to harvesting, storage, record-keeping, and post-harvest handling — leading to a heightened awareness of and commitment to compliance with the required standards.
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[2026.1.15]
After harvesting, the cotton is carefully transported from the fields to each farmhouse using traditional ox carts, tractors. Under a locally rooted transportation system, gentle handling helps minimize the risk of contamination and damage. After being stored at each farmhouse for a certain period, the cotton is delivered at the optimal time, where the cotton fiber is separated from the seeds. This process is a method that has been practiced in the region for many years, and serves as a vital step in maintaining consistent yield and quality even during the peak of the harvest season.
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[2025.12.1]
December marks the peak of the harvesting season in the fields. More than half of the total harvest is gathered during this period. As the cotton bolls open fully, picking becomes easier, allowing for a larger yield of high-quality cotton. This season has been blessed with favorable weather, resulting in minimal fiber loss from falling cotton, little moisture-related deterioration, and very few delays in picking — all of which have contributed to smooth and efficient harvesting operations.
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[2025.11.15]
Harvested cotton is stored at each farmer’s home for approximately one month. During this period, the seed cotton gradually undergoes natural drying, allowing the moisture content to decrease to an optimal level. This process stabilizes the fibre quality, reduces the risk of spoilage, and improves efficiency in the ginning process. This natural drying stage is a crucial step in enhancing and maintaining cotton quality. To prevent contamination during storage, we provide specialized cotton covers and work closely with our farmers to ensure thorough quality control.

A Traceable Journey of ORGANIC FIELD

ORGANIC FIELD ensures complete traceability and control from farm to yarn. We use non-GMO seeds, cultivate cotton through organic farming methods, and harvest entirely by hand. From on-farm storage to the spinning process, we maintain strict management system to prevent contamination.

01
Providing farmers with non-GMO seeds
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02
Fields free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers
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03
Planting seeds by hand
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04
Handpicking to protect fiber quality
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05
Long-staple cotton (MCU-5)
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06
Separating cotton lint from the seed at the ginning factory
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07
Manual removal of contaminants
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08
Spinning at NSL
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Partner

Our Partner in Ensuring Full Traceability — from Seed to Spinning

NSL Group
Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana, South-Central India

NSL, based in Hyderabad in Telangana State, in south-central India, was founded in the mid-1970s by Mr. M. Prabhakar Rao as a seed company. In the area of cotton production, NSL has leveraged its strength as India’s largest seed company to collaborate with farmers, undertaking production on approximately 8,000 hectares of farmland. NSL has established an integrated production system covering every stage from cotton cultivation through to spinning, weaving and finishing, which ensures traceability.

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