The multilateral organization met in Lahore and online on November 20, 2025, bringing together representatives from government, finance, industry and agriculture.
The stakeholder event sought to identify priorities that could support sustainable scaling of organic cotton production across Pakistan.
Participants discussed how policy can support farmers' transition to organic practices and ways to collectively address industry challenges.
They also explored investment and accountability options to improve supply chain transparency and discussed how to build market linkages that will ensure continued demand for organic cotton.
OCA Chief Executive Bart Vollaard said: “We are grateful for the hospitality of our local partners and their commitment to organic cotton. Collaboration like this is at the heart of OCA's mission. By bringing together farmers, industry, policymakers, researchers and civil society, we can strengthen local markets, create more opportunities for rural communities and ensure that Pakistan's organic cotton gets the recognition it deserves.”
OCA, which began operating in Pakistan almost three years ago, expects to support more than 10,000 organic cotton farmers in the 2025-2026 season.
These farmers operate on nearly 60,000 hectares in the provinces of Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh and are projected to produce around 16,000 metric tons (MT) of lint cotton per season.
OCA partners with local groups to provide farmers with non-genetically modified seeds, agronomic education, financial guidance and strong connections to markets.
In addition, OCA introduced digital tools aimed at improving data collection and transparency in the sector. The technology facilitates more effective decision-making among value chain partners, the organization said.
OCA also worked to improve laboratory procedures for testing organic integrity, implemented a customized version of its organic cotton curriculum tailored to local needs, and encouraged farmer participation through workshops and community engagement initiatives.
OCA Pakistan Country Manager Rubab Zahra said: “In Pakistan, the transition to organic cotton is not just a shift in farming practices, it is a path to greater stability for farming communities. Our focus is on building a supply chain where farmers are supported, information is open to sharing and all partners work side by side. This collaborative approach is essential to ensuring long-term sustainability and ensuring continued growth of Pakistan's organic cotton sector.”
“OCA Pakistan's First Event Focuses on Organic Cotton Policy and Funding” was originally created and published Just stylea brand owned by GlobalData.
