Initiative held since 2015 adopts a new format in 2026, with two immersion rounds and expanded participation from brands, retailers, NGOs and research institutes
The Cotton Brazil Dialogues concludes its 2026 edition after a series of technical visits to farms, cotton gins and reference centers, as well as workshops focused on Brazilian cotton production. A total of 50 participants from 14 countries took part in the field trips. The initiative is led by the Brazilian Association of Cotton Growers (Abrapa) and the National Association of Cotton Exporters (Anea), with support from the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).
Held since 2015, the initiative adopted an expanded format this year, bringing together a broader range of stakeholders from across the textile supply chain. In addition to spinners, the program welcomed representatives from brands, retailers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutes and other strategic stakeholders. Of the 50 participants, 32 represented spinning mills, while 18 represented brands, retailers and NGOs. Two immersion rounds were held in July and August. This broader participation reflects an evolution in the initiative’s approach. Beyond presenting Brazilian cotton to traditional buyers, the Cotton Brazil Dialogues creates a space for direct exchange between those who produce the fiber and those who source, transform, research, influence and make decisions across the supply chain. The aim is to foster greater understanding of Brazilian cotton production, strengthen connections between producers and the global textile industry, and contribute to a more transparent and responsible supply chain.
Long-term relationships
For Abrapa President Gustavo Piccoli, expanding the presence of these representatives in Brazil strengthens trust and long-term relationships with the international market.
“For more than a decade, we have opened the doors of Brazilian cotton production to the international market. This year, we took it a step further by expanding this dialogue to other stakeholders who also influence decisions across the textile supply chain. We want brands, retailers, buyers, international organizations and researchers to gain first-hand knowledge of how we produce and have the opportunity to engage directly with the sector,” says Piccoli. The president notes that the initiative comes at a time when Brazil is strengthening its presence in international trade. “Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a historic record of 3.37 million tons of exported cotton, 19% more than in the previous commercial year, consolidating its position as the world’s leading cotton exporter,” he highlights.
Fernando Rati, head of Cotton Brazil, highlighted the importance of the in-person experience in building confidence among international participants. “The visit moves participants beyond the abstraction of a presentation and turns it into a concrete experience: they see, touch and talk directly to those who produce. This contrast between hearing about something and seeing it up close is what builds real trust,” he said. “Unlike in other countries they have visited, participants noted that Brazilian producers do not hide their challenges. They show the reality and address it openly, rather than presenting only the positive aspects,” he added.
Continuous improvement
Lisa Ventura, Head of International Partnerships at Abrapa, explained that the field trips offer a unique opportunity to receive holistic feedback on Brazilian cotton production. “The 2026 Cotton Brazil Dialogues was a rich opportunity to build stronger connections across the supply chain and have meaningful conversations about the future of cotton and natural fibers. The feedback from both trips is already being shared across our networks, helping us identify opportunities to further improve our production. These insights will also help us make the 2027 edition even more relevant and impactful.”
From the field to the global market
Participants experienced different stages of the supply chain and learned about the systems and practices used in Brazilian cotton production. The program covered the states of Mato Grosso, Bahia and Goiás, as well as the Federal District, and included visits to farms, cotton gins, laboratories and research centers, as well as discussions on quality, sustainability, traceability, technology and innovation. The program is coordinated by Abrapa and the National Association of Cotton Exporters (Anea), with support from the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) and the state associations affiliated with Abrapa: the Mato Grosso Association of Cotton Producers (Ampa), the Bahia Association of Cotton Producers (Abapa) and the Goiás Association of Cotton Producers (Agopa). The next edition of the Cotton Brazil Dialogues is scheduled for July and August 2027. Those interested in participating can contact cottonbrazil@abrapa.com.br.
