MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has opened grower enrollment for the 2026 crop year, offering U.S. cotton producers expanded opportunities to demonstrate responsible production and connect with growing demand for traceable, sustainably produced cotton.
The Trust Protocol is the voluntary, field-level sustainability program and traceability platform for U.S. cotton. Participating growers gain access to data and resources that help guide farm management decisions, demonstrate environmental progress and strengthen their position in the global cotton market.
“Protocol Growers have made meaningful progress on the farm in producing responsibly grown cotton, and the Trust Protocol provides a trusted system to measure and verify that work,” said Gary Adams, president of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “We’ve seen record enrollment for six consecutive years, and we look forward to continuing that momentum in the 2026 crop year.”
New Field Partner Program Supports Regenerative Cotton Practices
New for the 2026 crop year is the Field Partner Program, a voluntary initiative that allows growers to evidence regenerative farming practices through the Trust Protocol system.
The program provides brands and retailers access to verified, traceable regenerative U.S. cotton at scale while allowing growers to highlight responsible production practices backed by measurable data. Participation is optional, but growers must be enrolled in the Trust Protocol to qualify.
Supporting Traceable and Responsible Cotton Production
Through the Trust Protocol, growers contribute to a supply chain focused on transparency, measurable sustainability metrics and continuous improvement. The program tracks progress across six key environmental areas, including:
- Land use
- Soil health
- Water management
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Energy efficiency
- Fiber quality
These metrics help provide verified sustainability data for brands, retailers and manufacturers seeking responsibly sourced cotton fiber.
Enrollment Now Open for 2026 Crop Year
U.S. cotton growers interested in participating are encouraged to enroll now and begin preparing required farm and field information.
Enrollment specialists are available to provide regional guidance and support during the application process. More information about the program and enrollment process can be found on the Trust Protocol website.
