Page 11 - 12 Cotton SA August 2017

NEWS

WOOLWORTHS: the cotton. Woolworths has worked
GOOD BUSINESS WITH TOMORROW IN MIND hard with their suppliers to get key
spinners BCI accredited and to
n 2004, Woolworths became the From a social perspective, their aim is develop BCI-specific sourcing
Ifirst South African retailer to to contribute meaningfully towards strategies. Working at scale with a
introduce 100% organic cotton to community development priorities range of local and international
their women's and baby wear ranges. wherever they operate, building long- counterparts, suppliers and cotton
They realised that the only way to term relationships with their suppliers farmers is the best way to drive broad
accomplish their goals is to start and supporting the growth of small to change and BCI has created a good
changing their approach to business. medium-sized business enterprises. framework for that to be possible.
Their vision is to be the most
Sustainability is one of the core sustainable retailer in the southern Real change is not achieved overnight.
values of Woolworths and is deeply hemisphere. It happens one step at a time.
entrenched in the heart of their Woolworths' aim is to have 100% of
business. Doing business today is As a member of the international their cotton to be responsibly sourced
about contributing to economic Better Cotton initiative (BCI) they are by 2020 - a truly challenging and
development and giving back to the using more and more responsibly- ambitious goal.
people and the planet. This means sourced cotton. They also more
addressing the sustainability of the broadly promote farming methods Justin Smith
value chain from field to shelf and that protect nature, conserve water Group Head of Sustainability,
beyond. and care for the people who produce Woolworths Holdings

PESTICIDES IN THE COTTON INDUSTRY

otton production pumps countries to protect their populations chemical use in the cotton industry.
"Cthousands of tons of pesticides from exposure to toxic pesticides. The available information covers the
into the environment each year." whole spectrum: types, forms,
This is a statement commonly made The South African cotton industry effects, prevention and safety
and heard. heard all these statements and control. Lists of approved chemicals
comments, and has decided to follow is also available, as well as
Pesticides are chemical compounds the route of producing cleaner cotton. information regarding risks, safety
that are used to kill, amongst others, Government has adopted a "Pesticide measures and spillage contingency
pests, insects and unwanted weeds. Management Policy for South Africa" plan.
Despite their benefit, pesticides can which includes South Africa's
cause harm to health and the compliance with the various Chemical safety is achieved by
environment. By their nature, international conventions. The local undertaking all activities involving
pesticides are potentially toxic to industry has also adopted the chemicals in such a way as to ensure
other organisms, including humans, principles of the Better Cotton the safety of human health and the
and need to be used safely and Initiative (BCI). The BCI standard environment. It covers all chemicals
disposed of properly. strives to make global cotton and the full range of exposure
production better for the people who situations. The South African cotton
The World Health Organization produce it, better for the environment farmer, whether large or small, are
(WHO) and international conventions it grows in, and better for the sector's serious to limit chemical usage and
such as the Stockholm Convention future. By adopting best practices to farm according to integrated pest
on Persistent Organic Pollutants and farmers can reduce pesticide use management plans and procedures.
the Rotterdam Convention on Prior and increase cotton yields.
Informed Consent Procedure for
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Cotton SA has information, which is Tobie Jooste / Helena Claassens
Pesticides, provide a means for available to all farmers, regarding Cotton SA

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