ALDI wanted to be part of the solution, this is why it has launched the Cotton in-conversion to organic project in collaboration with a number of organisations including the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)).
Transition from conventional to organic farming
The transition from conventional to organic cotton farming takes up to three years. This means that farmers only receive a higher price for their cotton once it is certified organic in the fourth year. This three-year transition is a major barrier for many smallholder farmers because during this time they will experience yield loss and higher production costs.
ALDI supports these smallholder farmers during the transition period with training on agricultural practices, natural fertiliser, organic pesticides, soil fertility as well as provision of high-quality organic seeds. These activities are provided by implementation partners on the ground.