WINNIPEG - Voluntary sustainable standards - such as in cotton - enable more investment in sustainable agriculture due to market premiums, higher farm gate prices and direct contracts with buyers, according to a new report.
The study, from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), says voluntary standards can help cotton farmers improve record-keeping, and business and management practices to attract investment dollars.
However, the report, which draws on a survey of seven financial service providers and a range of stakeholders and staff, also highlights many gaps for cotton standards.
