To further improve the positive impact of its Cotton made in Africa Initiative (CmiA), the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) together with its stakeholders has revised the CmiA verification criteria. You can find the updated criteria matrix at the bottom of this article.
The following alterations are the most significant. Cotton production under irrigation is excluded. The terms „smallholder“ and „family“ farming are defined now. Further pesticides will be eliminated in the framework of CmiA until the end of this year; and the management entity must have a plan regarding the introduction of integrated pest management. Furthermore a new sustainability criterion includes equal rights regarding gender. A general overall change is the introduction of quantity requirements. A „green“ assessment shall now prove that CmiA smallholders apply methods taught in training (e.g. threshold spraying, conservation farming).
Links:
www.cotton-made-in-africa.com/downloads/dokumente.html