When we talk about ‘organic,’ we’re referring to something that comes from living matter and the interaction between organisms and their environment. In agriculture, this means products grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It’s a way of farming that’s more in tune with nature.
In agriculture and farming, organic production means producing in a long-term sustainable way that protects biodiversity and animal welfare. The basis is to maintain a cycle as local as possible, preserve soil fertility and work preventively against pests, weeds and diseases. Products are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers and must not be genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It is a way of farming that is more in harmony with nature.
Organic textiles can include different fibres like cotton, hemp, flax (linen), jute, silk, and wool, with organic cotton being one of the most commonly used materials in fashion and textiles.
Cultivating and producing organic cotton has many benefits, such as improving soil health, reducing water usage, and minimising chemical runoff, which enhances the lives of people in cotton-growing regions and benefits future generations. Most organic cotton farms are located in subtropical countries such as India, China and the United States. In contrast, conventional cotton farming is one of the most chemical-intensive agricultural practices and uses some of the most toxic chemicals classified by the Environmental Protection Agency. These chemicals greatly affect the air, water, soil and the health of people in these areas.
Organic farming systems can also contribute to biodiversity conservation. Standard organic farming practices benefit a wide range of organisms. Compared to conventional farms, organic farms generally support a greater diversity of insects, earthworms, birds, bees and other native pollinators, soil microbes and fungi.
Sources
Sewport – Organic fabrics 
Global Organic Textile Standard – GOTS Worldwide textile processing standard
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – Version 7.0
May 2024 RETHINK
