Cotton is the most widely used natural fiber in the world. Cargill is one of the world’s leading cotton traders, sourcing from all the major cotton producing countries around the world and running ginning operations in several African countries.

We support programs to improve agricultural working practices and to help farmers increase their incomes and deliver benefits to local communities. For example, our experts provide regular advice to thousands of African farmers through our “Farmer Days,” training sessions, local language newsletters and radio programs.

A complex supply chain

The cotton supply chain is complex, with multiple stages from the farm to finished products – as cotton is ginned, traded, spun, dyed and weaved before being turned into clothing or other products.

Cargill was one of the first cotton traders to make the transition into cotton ginning. Our ginning operations in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi and South Africa have enabled us to build closer working relationships with cotton farmers, and we now work with up to 200,000 communal farmers and have over 400 rural buying stations dealing directly with farmers at the village level.

Explore the dimensions of sustainable cotton production

Promoting sustainable cotton farming Through long-term relationships with local cotton farmers in Southern Africa, Cargill is supporting programs to improve agricultural practices, provide essential financial and technical support, offer better access to crop inputs and help farmers increase their incomes.  Supporting cotton growing communities Cargill’s operations are providing much needed economic and community investment, especially in rural areas where basic infrastructure is limited. Our investment, support and the active participation of our employee volunteers are delivering real benefits to local communities. Supporting responsible labor practices Cargill is concerned by claims in relation to abusive or enforced labour in the cotton growing industry. We do not accept the use of illegal, abusive or enforced labour in any of our operations and we abide by the laws in the countries in which we operate. Improving our environmental performance Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the farm gate and we are working to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and fresh water use at each of our cotton ginning operations.