The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has opened enrollment for the 2026 crop year, giving cotton growers access to sustainability tools, traceability systems, and a new Field Partner Program that verifies regenerative farming practices while strengthening demand for responsibly produced U.S. cotton.
2026 Enrollment Now Open for Cotton Growers
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has announced enrollment is open for the 2026 crop year. New this year, in addition to full program benefits growers can evidence regenerative farming practices through the Field Partner Program, expanding opportunities for those demonstrating responsible production with measurable data.
The Trust Protocol is the voluntary, field-level sustainability program and traceability platform for U.S. Cotton. Participating growers receive a unique set of data and resources to support informed decision making, meet growing demand for responsibly produced U.S. Cotton, and help them compete successfully in the global market.
“Protocol Growers have made meaningful progress on the farm in producing responsibly grown cotton, and the Trust Protocol provides a trusted system to measure and verify that work,” said Gary Adams, President of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “We’ve seen record enrollment for six consecutive years, and we look forward to continuing that momentum in the 2026 crop year. The Trust Protocol is dedicated to supporting your success and helping to build, retain, and ensure a strong market for responsibly grown U.S. Cotton.”
New Field Partner Program Supports Regenerative Farming
Alongside open enrollment, the Trust Protocol is also highlighting its new Field Partner Program, a voluntary opportunity that helps growers evidence regenerative farming practices using the existing Trust Protocol system, while providing brands and retailers access to verified, traceable regenerative U.S. Cotton at scale. Participation in the Field Partner Program is optional, but growers must be enrolled in the Trust Protocol for the 2026 crop year to be eligible to participate.
To learn more, including how to connect with a Field Partner, click here.
Growers interested in participating in the Trust Protocol for the 2026 crop year are encouraged to enroll now and begin preparing required farm and field information. Growers who are also interested in the optional Field Partner Program can explore eligibility and next steps after completing Trust Protocol enrollment.
Enrollment Specialists are available to provide personalized, regional support. Email info@TrustUSCotton.org to connect with your region’s specialist and begin the enrollment process, or visit TrustUSCotton.org.
About the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is the voluntary sustainability program for U.S. cotton growers and traceability platform for all U.S. Cotton. It brings quantifiable and verifiable goals and measurement to responsible cotton production and drives continuous improvement in six key sustainability areas: land use, soil health, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and fiber quality. The Trust Protocol underpins and verifies U.S. cotton’s sustainability progress through sophisticated data collection and independent third-party verification.
FAQ
What is the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol?
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a voluntary sustainability program and traceability platform for U.S. cotton growers that verifies responsible cotton production using measurable data and independent verification.
When does enrollment open for the 2026 cotton crop year?
Enrollment for the 2026 crop year is now open, allowing growers to register and prepare farm and field data for participation.
What is the Field Partner Program?
The Field Partner Program is a voluntary initiative that allows growers to demonstrate regenerative farming practices while enabling brands and retailers to access verified regenerative U.S. cotton.
What sustainability areas does the Trust Protocol measure?
The program measures six sustainability areas: land use, soil health, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and fiber quality.
Learn about How Craftsmanship Shapes Commitment with STRAUSS and the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol