The 2025 enrollment period for the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol and the Climate Smart Cotton Program is officially open.
What is the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol and why is it important for cotton growers?

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a voluntary sustainability program for U.S. cotton growers. It provides a traceability platform for all U.S. cotton, bringing quantifiable and verifiable goals to responsible cotton production. The program focuses on continuous improvement in six key sustainability areas: land use, soil health, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and fiber quality. By participating, growers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices, meeting the increasing demand for responsibly produced fiber.
What benefits do growers receive from enrolling in the Trust Protocol?
Growers gain access to valuable data and resources that help them choose the best practices for their land and business. By tracking key metrics like water use, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions, they can gain insights into their farm’s environmental footprint. This information empowers them to make informed decisions, optimize practices, and demonstrate progress toward a more sustainable future.
Can you explain the Climate Smart Cotton Program and its levels of involvement?

The Climate Smart Cotton Program, led by the Trust Protocol, is designed to offer financial support to growers through three different levels of involvement.
At the first level, growers can become members of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. This foundational level provides $5 per acre, up to 706 acres, for enrolling in the Trust Protocol, uploading bales to the Protocol platform, and exploring new climate-smart practices.
The second level is all about implementing a climate smart practice change. Growers can receive up to $45 in financial risk-share for up to three years if they adopt new practices like cover crops, no-till, strip-till, or a nutrient management plan.
Finally, the third level involves carbon inset payments. This allows growers to contract for carbon inset sales based on the verified emission reductions achieved through their climate smart agriculture practices.
How has the program been received by growers?
Grower membership has increased each year since the program’s inception. We look forward to welcoming more growers in 2025 and providing them with valuable resources. These programs not only address the rising demand for responsibly produced cotton but also boost growers’ profitability and fortify their standing in the global market.
How can growers get started with the enrollment process?
Grower Enrollment Specialists are available to provide personalized, region-specific support. They can answer questions and guide growers through the process for both the Trust Protocol and Climate Smart Cotton Program. Growers can visit TrustUSCotton.org or email info@TrustUSCotton.org to connect with their region’s Grower Enrollment Specialist and learn more about how these programs can benefit their operation.