Merchants and Cooperatives

The U.S. cotton industry has traditionally led the world in innovation, quality and responsible stewardship, but there is little awareness for the work that has been done to produce more sustainably grown cotton. As the demand for more sustainably produced products increases, the U.S. cotton industry needs to be able to show past and future commitments to sustainability.
By becoming a participant in the Trust Protocol, you – merchants and cooperatives – will earn a competitive advantage to sell your cotton over others’.

As a fundamental contributor to the U.S. cotton industry, merchants and cooperatives play a critical role in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol’s success often acting as the vital link between the mills and manufacturers and the aggregators, gins and growers. You can:

  • Help enroll in the Trust Protocol
  • Assist Trust Protocol growers in completing the Fieldprint analysis
  • Support growers during the second and third party verification processes
  • Communicate the benefits and advantages of Protocol Cotton to mills and manufacturers

As a member of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, you will be an essential part of the Trust Protocol’s ability to show transparency throughout the supply chain and ultimately provide your end users the critical assurances they need to prove that the fiber they source and sell is more sustainable. By becoming a member, you are unlocking a powerful system that gives you an advantage to sell your cotton to mills and manufacturers and meet the needs of brands and retailers.

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Deepika Mishra

Standards and Data Lead (consultant)

Deepika Mishra is the Standards and Data Lead for the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, acting as a consultant for the program. As an accomplished scientist and data analytics specialist, Deepika leads on analysis of the Trust Protocol’s environmental metrics. She collaborates extensively with agricultural research institutions, conservation groups, and food and trade organizations, playing a vital role in the establishment of sustainability and social standards within the industry.

Deepika earned her Ph.D. in plant and soil science from Texas Tech University, specializing in cotton breeding and genetics. With over a decade of experience, she has spearheaded diverse agricultural projects in both India and the United States, covering crops like cotton, cowpeas, castor, sesame, guar, guayule, tomato, and field pennycress (cover crop). Her contributions also include the development and release of multiple cowpea varieties in India during her M.S. studies in vegetable breeding and genetics.