Los Angeles-based Gallant International and its retail brand Terra Thread (asi/55681) are on a mission to build more transparency into the organic cotton supply chain.

This winter, the supplier and its factory partners worked with one of India’s most well-known organic cotton co-ops to transition more than 700 farmers to regenerative organic cotton – designating more than 3,500 acres as Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC). With this certification, Terra Thread and its partners hope to spark a transformation in how organic cotton is farmed. A recent New York Times piece highlighted the game of “smoke and mirrors” occurring with a significant portion of cotton being designated as organic. An outdated certification system makes it easy for suppliers to include conventionally farmed cotton with organic, according to the report.

Vikrant Giri, founder of Gallant International and Terra Thread, walks through regenerative organic cotton fields in Orissa, India.

Vikrant Giri, founder of Gallant International and Terra Thread, says the Regenerative Organic Certification is the culmination of nearly a decade of organic farming. “Now, farmers will not only be participating in the most regenerative practices possible, they will be playing a major role in healing the planet – while making extra income from organic, fair-trade premiums and rotational crops,” Giri said. “This certification is much more than a checklist. We’re working to create a more holistic supply chain that takes care of everyone involved, not just the buyer.”

Gallant has been working with Chetna Organic, one of India’s most prominent organic cotton co-ops, to manufacture organic cotton bags and accessories. Chetna is known for its organic farming practices and efforts to make cotton production more eco-friendly, traceable and worthwhile for growers.

“With climate change a reality and both agriculture lands and forest covers shrinking, experts world over are advocating for agroecological and regenerative agricultural practices,” says Arun Ambatipudi, executive director of Chetna. “For us, it’s imperative to promote a more holistic approach to farming, especially amongst smallholder cotton farming communities living in the forest corridors.”

Regenerative Organic Certified is a relatively new certification spearheaded by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, a California-based nonprofit founded by Patagonia, Dr. Bronner’s and Rodale Institute. The program requires farming communities to meet a variety of criteria that prioritize soil health, animal welfare and the social well-being of farmers and farmworkers.

Gallant International, a B Corp that produces custom apparel and accessories made from organic, fair-trade cotton, was founded in 2009 by Giri. Terra Thread is a continuation of the concept, focused on carbon-neutral backpacks, bags and accessories made from organic cotton in fair-trade factories. Terra Thread will be the first bag brand to use Regenerative Organic Certified cotton exclusively, according to the company.

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