Global Coalition Urges Phase-Out of Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Cotton Farming
A global coalition, including Better Cotton, has urged the phase-out of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) in agriculture, particularly in cotton farming. The call comes as cotton remains the most pesticide-treated crop worldwide, with over 24.7 million tons produced in 2021. Despite being the world's third-largest cotton producer, the United States still uses pesticides banned elsewhere.
Better Cotton, partnering with over 300 retailers and brands like Adidas and H&M, has been promoting sustainable cotton farming. They have helped Indian farmers cotton on to reducing their use of HHPs and a specific toxic pesticide called Monocrotophos through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. IPM involves less toxic strategies such as growing resilient crops and fostering beneficial organisms.
In West Africa, from 2006 to 2010, an unnamed organization reduced pesticide use among over 116,000 farmers in crops including cotton. Some governments, like Bangladesh, have also taken action to ban or reduce the use of HHPs. The international coalition has issued recommendations to phase out HHPs, including IPM training, research for safer alternatives, and government collaboration.
The coalition, called the Integrated Pest Management Coalition, aims to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of HHPs, promoting sustainable alternatives. Despite progress, the United States continues to use some banned pesticides, highlighting the need for global action.
