Principles and Criteria

The Better Cotton Principles and Criteria lay out the global definition of Better Cotton, by upholding the following seven principles:

BCI Farmers minimise the harmful impact of crop protection practices
BCI Farmers promote water stewardship
BCI Farmers care for the health of the soil
BCI Farmers enhance biodiversity and use land responsibly
BCI Farmers care for and preserve fibre quality
BCI Farmers promote decent work
BCI Farmers operate an effective management system

By adhering to these principles, BCI Farmers produce cotton in a in a way that is measurably better for the environment and farming communities.

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Key Principles and Criteria Documents

Better Cotton Principles & Criteria

Overview of Better Cotton Principles

Overview of Better Cotton Principles – Extended

Translated Better Cotton Principles and Criteria Documents

Better Cotton Principles and Criteria: French

Better Cotton Principles and Criteria: Portuguese

Better Cotton Principles and Criteria: Chinese

Additional Principles and Criteria Documents

Better Cotton Normative Requirements – Smallholders

Better Cotton Normative Requirements – Medium Farms

Better Cotton Normative Requirements – Large Farms

BCI National Interpretation Procedure

BCI HCV Procedure: Smallholders

BCI HCV Procedure: Medium and Large Farms

Terms of Reference for the Better Cotton Principles and Criteria

Revision of the Principles and Criteria

Revision of the Better Cotton Principles & Criteria

Better Cotton Initiative Standards Setting and Revision Procedures