New pilot program to provide brands and retailers with traceable regenerative U.S. Cotton, currently underway for 2025 crop year
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol today launched a framework for its Field Partner Program pilot that will formally recognize verified regenerative practices and measurable outcomes among growers in order to provide brands and retailers with regenerative cotton and greater sourcing options.
The pilot program, currently underway for the 2025 crop year, is designed to enhance value and benefits for brand members while providing the framework, verification, and traceability that are foundational pillars of the Trust Protocol. It introduces a dual framework – where practices meet outcomes to create maximum impact. Additionally, the pilot will assess market demand for participating in a scalable, efficient system that provides a clear pathway for regenerative U.S. Cotton to move through the supply chain.
“The Trust Protocol is built on a foundation of continuous improvement and providing a science-based approach, supported by a verification process to meet assurances for our members. This program is a direct extension of that commitment,” said Daren Abney, Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “There is a clear and growing demand for materials that contribute to a regenerative agricultural system. This initiative creates a formal pathway for recognizing regenerative practices at the field level, enhancing value for our growers and providing brands and retailers with the credible sourcing options they need to meet their sustainability targets.”
The 2025 pilot, designed with input from member brands and aggregators, will test and refine the program’s framework ahead of a broader implementation tentatively planned for 2026. The pilot’s objectives include assessing market demand for regenerative cotton, testing the traceability of regenerative bales in the supply chain, and validating the program’s credibility through a rigorous, multi-level assurance system. The program is also aligned with Field to Market’s regenerative agriculture guidance.
The program’s integrity is built upon the Trust Protocol’s existing infrastructure, with growers pre-assessed for eligibility based on their field-level data. Verification will be conducted concurrently with the standard Trust Protocol verification process, combining field visits with advanced satellite imagery analysis to validate regenerative practices. By combining practices and outcomes, the Trust Protocol is creating the first comprehensive regenerative framework that ensures both process integrity and measurable impact.
The Trust Protocol has identified minimum requirements for the Field Partner Program, translating regenerative agriculture frameworks from leading organizations. To be eligible, growers must implement a number of practices across key areas including soil health, water use, synthetic inputs, water quality, and biodiversity.
