Oxfam Organic Cotton project

In Hyderabad, central India, cotton workers' livelihoods are constantly under threat. Drought forces farmers to borrow money for expensive pesticides and high prices and new technology jeopardise the incomes of handloom weavers. Meanwhile, women in garment factories experience terrible working conditions.

We are working with Oxfam and people in the cotton supply chain to change this situation, helping them to take control of their lives. The aim is to encourage cotton farmers to take up organic farming, helping them to escape the 'chemical treadmill' and vicious cycle of debt. We are also supporting the creation of a farmers' trading company, to give farmers better access to markets where they can sell their goods.

To help women, we are supporting a handloom trading company, setting up weaver community groups and supporting garment workers' organisations. The goal is to help ensure women understand their rights and have a sustainable livelihood.

To complete the circle, we're really pleased that Accessorize has bought some of the organic cotton for its fabulous Go Organic! range. Click here to find out more.

Click here for Oxfam's latest report

Click here for India Cotton report

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