Organic cotton is presently produced in 20 countries in all arable continents. India, Syria, Turkey, China and the US are currently the largest producers (2010/11).

The number of organic cotton initiatives is constantly growing, and with this the number of involved farmers. Textile Exchange’s farm locations map provides detailed information about organic cotton farming in the various countries.

Textile Exchange’s annual organic farm and fibre report provides detailed information on organic cotton production. The full fibre report can be purchased from Textile Exchange. The report is available for free to members of Textile Exchange. Non-members can find the press release here.

The most recent report, which gathers information on the production year 2010-11 is reporting a 35% drop in organic cotton production. Among many factors contributing to the decline, Textile Exchange examines the fall in production in India and a lack of market signals reaching organic cotton producers.

Increasing awareness for social and environmental issues among consumers and companies has lead to strong growth of the organic cotton market over the past decade.

The bulk of the organic cotton fibre production is consumed by companies with large organic textile programmes such as C&A, Nike, Walmart/Sam's Club, Williams-Sonoma, Inc., H&M, Anvil Knitwear, Coop Switzerland, Greensource, Levi Strauss & Co., Target, adidas, Nordstrom (2009, in descending order). In addition, more than thousand smaller companies, as well as companies with smaller organic textile programmes, consume and sell organic cotton products. Textile Exchange’s annual marketplace report provides a comprehensive overview on produced volumes, sales, key players and trends. The most important highlights can be downloaded for free, and the full market report can be purchased from Textile Exchange.

There are several initiatives that aim to connect supply and demand of organic cotton (products) by publishing online directories of suppliers and retailers.

Organic pricing