13: When Policy Meets Reality: Women Shaping Regenerative Cotton

13: When Policy Meets Reality: Women Shaping Regenerative Cotton

In this episode of The Thing About Cotton, we explore what it really takes to make regenerative cotton production a reality: from global policy frameworks to the lived experiences of farmers on the ground. As the industry pushes toward more sustainable practices, a key challenge remains: how do we bridge the gap between ambition and implementation? We begin with Tacko Ndiaye from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the International Year of the Woman Farmer (2026) – a global initiative focused on increasing recognition, investment, and support for women across agricultural systems. We discuss the structural barriers women farmers face and what needs to change to unlock their full potential.   Learn more about the FAO initiative here:  https://www.fao.org/woman-farmer-2026/home/en [https://www.fao.org/woman-farmer-2026/home/en] We then move from policy to practice, hearing directly from Ms. Vaijayanti Gokhale, a regenerative cotton farmer in Maharashtra, India. Her experience highlights the realities of transitioning to more sustainable methods – from rising costs and climate pressures to rebuilding soil health. Together, these perspectives underline a critical truth: a successful regenerative transition depends on the alignment of policy, market forces, and farmer realities - and on properly valuing both cotton and the people who produce it.

12: Pierre Chehab, 2026 ICA President

Representing three generations in the cotton trade, Pierre engages us with some very interesting thoughts on the evolution of the cotton trade during his career.  Both his continued passion for cotton and his overwhelming optimism are testament to a career full of amazing experiences and enduring relationships that remind us how incredible this industry really is. The ICA presidency is in good hands with Pierre Chehab! Note:  Due to the ongoing conflict and related flight disruptions, the ICA's trip to India referenced has been postponed.

11: The Future of Natural Fibres – Dalena White, Make The Label Count

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of fashion, textiles, and sustainability with someone who’s seen it all — from the design studio to the factory floor, and now all the way to the global stage. Our guest, Dalena, has more than 20 years of experience in clothing design, textile manufacturing, merchandising, and fashion retail sourcing. She started out on the board of a clothing factory, before stepping into the wool industry in 2008, where she helped shape brand development for South African Merino wool — everything from styling and textile innovation to retail partnerships. Fast forward to 2016, and Dalena took on a global leadership role as Secretary General of the International Wool Textile Organisation, based in Brussels. That’s the world’s authority on wool standards, representing 26 countries and every stage of the wool pipeline. But that’s not all. Dalena is also co-spokesperson of the Make the Label Count initiative — where she and her team navigate the tricky world of European legislation, shining a spotlight on the real, science-backed data that proves natural fibres are truly sustainable choices. With her incredible background across fashion, manufacturing, and international trade, Dalena brings a unique perspective on the challenges — and the huge opportunities — facing the cotton industry today. So buckle up, this is going to be an in-depth, inspiring conversation about sustainability, innovation, and the future of natural fibres.

10: Alison Ward, CEO of CottonConnect

This episode looks at the transformative role of cotton in global livelihoods, particularly focusing on women's empowerment in agriculture. It explores the challenges faced by women in cotton farming, the impact of climate change, and the importance of sustainable practices. As CEO of CottonConnect, Alison shares insights from her journey – via cocoa – through to the cotton industry, the initiatives of CottonConnect, and the significant improvements seen through programs focusing on women in cotton. She emphasises the importance of sustainability investments having commercial value, critical to enabling brands and retailers to manage risk in their raw material sourcing. The conversation highlights the need for systemic change and the potential of regenerative farming to create a more sustainable future for cotton production.

9: Antonia Prescott, Managing Director and Editor at Cotton Outlook

In this informative episode, hosts Eimear McDonagh and Camille Cluzel interview Antonia Prescott, Managing Director and Editor at Cotton Outlook - the premier trade journal for the global cotton industry. Antonia shares how Cotton Outlook's A Index is built and its uses, the role of price benchmarks in today's markets, global trends in supply and demand and her own path to becoming the first women leading the organisation in its 50+ year history.