California – Farm to Yarn is a socially conscious raw materials initiative that supports cotton farmers in India.
Lifestyle brand Volcom, which is known for its skate wear, has partnered with the social enterprise CottonConnect for the multi-year commitment and will be launching its first collection made with traceable, ethically-sourced cotton in spring 2019. The program will support the farmers and their families who come from eight villages in the Madhya Pradesh region of India.
To do this the brand will offer a year-long organic farming skills program, which will train them in skills like developing natural pest control and organic fertilisers. In addition, Volcom will also offer an educational program for female farmers focused on women’s rights and a training program that focuses on acquiring business skills. ‘Traceability is critical for the future of organic cotton. It requires a brand to be intentional about mapping its supply chain,’ says Arvind Rewa at CottonConnect.
For more on why fashion brands have a responsibility to be purpose-driven and transparent, read our interview with Patagonia’s marketing director Alex Weller.