Join the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) for an engaging discussion on BCI's transition to a regenerative standard and what it means for the future of sustainable cotton and the fashion industry. This webinar will draw on industry expertise from the farm level to standard setting to explore the evolving landscape on regenerative agricultural principles and how they can be incentivized, monitored and reported on.
During this webinar you will also hear directly from US cotton farmers and learn why regional context matters, with practical examples from West Texas. We'll also discuss the implications for farmers, brands, and suppliers, including certification timelines, sourcing options, brand claims, and available data.
Whether you work in sustainability, sourcing, compliance, or supply chain management, this webinar offers valuable insights into one of the most significant developments shaping the future of cotton production and responsible sourcing.
Speakers:
Jaime Levine, US Member Engagement Manager at Better Cotton Initiative
Jaime Levine is BCI’s US Membership Manager – with an MBA on Circularity and Sustainability from Bard University’s Graduate Program in Sustainability, Jaime brings a wealth of knowledge on the fashion industry from her own business and consulting roles. At BCI, Jaime is focused on expanding the US membership of BCI’s retailer and brand members, and ensuring that role of voluntary standards and value of sustainable cotton is championed in the industry. Jaime.Levine@bettercotton.org
Todd Straddley, Gin CEO and BCI Group Manager, Quarterway Cotton Growers Association
Quarterway Cotton Growers is a cotton gin and producer organization working to create value for growers, brands and retailers by connecting both ends of the cotton supply chain and supporting innovation in Texas High Plains cotton. Gin CEO and BCI Group Manager Todd Straley, along with his fellow Quarterway producers, take full advantage of research, technology and opportunities available to ensure the long-term viability of cotton farming in their region.
Todd Straddley, Gin CEO and BCI Group Manager, Quarterway Cotton Growers AssociationA cotton producer himself, Todd has supported BCI's work since attending the organization’s first stakeholder meeting back in 2012, and helped to enroll 13 of the program’s first US cotton growers. Having met with merchants, mills, retailers and brands from around the world, he has identified opportunities to set his gin apart through licensing and certifications which reflect a growing demand for responsibly-produced cotton. Quarterway is now one of the largest BCI-Certified farm groups in the United States. todd@quarterwaycotton.com
Eric Harris, Executive Vice President at SureHarvest
Eric is Executive Vice President at SureHarvest. He oversees client engagements to develop and implement data-driven sustainability and regenerative agriculture programs grounded in the most recent science. He has led sustainable agriculture programs and standards across domestic and global food and agriculture value chains, including hands-on verification work in cotton supply chains. Eric's regenerative agriculture experience has included developing definitions and frameworks for industry groups and evaluating regenerative practices and outcomes in the context of different cropping systems. Previously, Eric conducted research at the University of California, Berkeley and Harvard Medical School, and has authored multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications. Eric received a PhD in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley.