The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is the only United Nations-recognized intergovernmental commodity body (ICB) representing cotton. ICAC supports all sectors of the global cotton textile value chain, from seed to the end-of-life of cotton products. Here’s an overview of how ICAC makes a difference:
Content
Data & Publications
ICAC has been the gold standard for global cotton data and insights for decades. Its essential resources include:
- Data on cotton lint production, consumption, export, and import
- Statistics on water and fertilizer use, production costs, and sustainable practices
- Global trends in textile fiber consumption and market dynamics
- Import/export statistics for cotton yarn and fabric
These publications help stakeholders navigate the complexities of the global cotton market.
Global Conferences and Events
ICAC organizes key events to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing:
- Annual Plenary Meeting: A gathering of member countries to address pressing issues, with the next meeting scheduled for November 17-20, 2025, in Tanzania.
- World Cotton Day (October 7): Celebrated globally, this event highlights cotton’s importance and is now recognized by the United Nations.
- World Cotton Research Conference (WCRC): Held every four years, it brings together leading cotton researchers. The latest edition, WCRC-8, was held in 2023 in Uzbekistan.
Regional Research Networks
ICAC promotes innovation and sustainability through regional research networks in Asia, Africa, South America, and the Mediterranean. These networks address critical challenges such as climate change, pest control, and soil health to ensure the cotton industry remains resilient.
Fighting Misinformation with the Truth About Cotton
ICAC defends cotton’s reputation through its #TruthAboutCotton initiative, addressing misconceptions about:
- Water consumption
- Pesticide use
- Environmental sustainability
This campaign helps promote a positive image of cotton in global markets.
Transforming Lives Through Action
ICAC’s on-the-ground projects improve the livelihoods of cotton farmers and industry workers through:
- Training programs on regenerative agriculture
- Promoting practices for carbon sequestration and soil health
- Introducing global best practices to enhance productivity
Cutting-Edge Technology
ICAC leverages innovation to modernize the cotton industry, including:
- Cotton Expert Soil Health app: Designed for less literate farmers
- Virtual Reality Cotton Training Program: Immersive learning experiences for stakeholders
- Ecological Engineering Framework: Sustainable farming solutions
Shaping the Future of Cotton
ICAC is advancing ambitious initiatives such as carbon credit programs, fostering investment opportunities, and promoting new agricultural and textile projects. All these efforts align with ICAC’s vision: “Prosperity through a sustainable cotton industry.”
For more information about ICAC and its activities, visit www.icac.org.
Join ICAC in Building a Sustainable Cotton Industry
Together, we can secure a thriving and environmentally responsible future for cotton.
