Achmea to support Australian cotton growers for sustainable farming

Cotton Australia and farm insurer Achmea Australia have announced a new strategic alliance that recognizes cotton growers’ contribution to a sustainable future for the Australian cotton industry. The new alliance will support cotton growers through an insurance reward for those who are certified through the Best Management Practices program (myBMP).

Cotton Australia’s voluntary farm and environmental management program myBMP has resulted in widespread interest from across the cotton industry through providing tools for cotton farmers to develop safer farm workplaces and healthier natural environments, reduce input costs, keep pesticide use to a minimum, maximize water use efficiency, and protect and retain native animals and vegetation.

"The Australian cotton industry is well placed to take advantage of the demand for sustainably produced cotton through its focus on best practice and sustainability," Achmea said on its website.

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said the new alliance provides a positive incentive for growers. “This new strategic alliance with Achmea recognizes sustainable risk mitigation practices and this will result in an insurance reward for cotton farmers who are fully certified in the myBMP program and are Achmea clients.”

“By attaining certification in the myBMP program, growers can have confidence they are operating at the highest level and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient Australian cotton industry,” Kay said.

Achmea CEO Emma Thomas said Achmea and Cotton Australia have a shared interest in helping cotton farmers to succeed.

“With a vision to protect and enhance agricultural communities, we see enormous value in working alongside the cotton industry to promote the importance of risk awareness and loss mitigation measures,” Thomas said.

“Aligned with our purpose of keeping farmers farming, we are proud to support myBMP-certified growers because they are best practice-certified in workplace health and safety initiatives, thereby protecting their livelihoods,” she added.

The insurance reward is a premium discount offered by Achmea for its All-in-One Farm Pack to eligible cotton farmers who are certified through the myBMP program.