Cotton Research Institute and the Euro-Mediterranean-Arab Association signed Memorandum of Understanding
Proceeding from their successful cooperation within the framework of the comprehensive presentation of sustainable cotton production in Egypt to representatives of the German economy, and in their continuous endeavor to strengthen economic relations between the Egyptian and German cotton sector Cotton Research Institute and the Euro-Mediterranean-Arab Association were signed Memorandum of Understanding
Fields of Cooperation
Promotion and Facilitation of Cooperation.
Building mutual projects.
Trade and Research Missions & Events.
Research, Knowledge Exchange, and Exhibitions & Trade Fairs.
Consultation on Joint Activities.
The main objectives of the memorandum of cooperation are as follows:
Cotton sustainability and the Egyptian cotton promotion.
Organizing workshops that aim to support environmental and social responsibility and sustainable work between organic cotton farmers and the spinning and weaving sectors.
Encouraging trade exchange, research missions and commercial programs for visiting delegations from the other side, as well as stimulating the participation of research institutions and government institutes to participate in international events and events such as conferences, workshops, round tables and trade fairs.
Presenting visiting trade missions to representatives of the relevant industries and organizing one of the exhibitions in the local market of the other party.
Modifying the names of Egyptian cotton cultivars to facilitate its trading in international markets
In response to the urgent need of Egyptian cotton suppliers locally and internationally, and to facilitate the handling of Egyptian cotton in trade and spinning mills.The ministerial decree no. 206/2022 was issued to modify the names of the commercial varieties of Egyptian cotton to become as follows:- Giza, Super Giza, Extra Giza.Actually, cotton research institute has introduced more than 100 cotton varieties and genotypes, since its establishment in 1919 till now. all of which have added sustainability for the Egyptian cotton sector and enhanced the competition and reputation of Egyptian cotton products globally. This season 9 commercial variety were grown according to the ministerial degree no. 75/2022 which sets the geographic areas where specific varieties can be grown to protect and maintain specific properties of different cotton varieties.All Egyptian varieties have Giza names, followed by a serial number indicating the number of the variety, regardless of its technological characteristics, which caused some confusion to traders and manufacturers of Egyptian cotton.
Egyptian cotton is belonging to the botanical species: Gossypium Barbadense, it is classified into two groups, long-staple and extra-long staple cottons,
Firstly the long staple cottons in Egypt produced in to two categories:
Upper Egypt cottons namely: Giza (95 and 98), which represent the highest in elongation percentages globally. Most of them are consumed locally.
Delta long staple cottons,namely: Giza 86, 94 and 97. They are preferred for export and local spinners for making fine yarns.
Secondly the extra-long varieties, i.e.; 96 variety, and the extra-long-extra fine varieties, i.e.; Giza 45, 87, Giza 93, and soon Giza 99 which will be the finest cotton variety worldwide. The extra-strength variety Giza 92 which represent the highest fiber strength all-over the world.
The Egyptian Extra Long Cotton varieties are well known for their outstanding quality characteristics and accordingly the finest yarns and the most luxurious garments are made from these cottons.
Fig1: Egyptian commercial varieties with old names
The engagement between the Giza name and the serial number of the variety does not refer to the quality characteristics, therefore, there was an urgent desire to modify the names of the varieties to refer to their quality category in addition to facilitate their global handling easily. The names were agreed upon as follows:
Giza varieties, which represent the category of long-staple varieties of Upper Egypt, under which the current commercial varieties Giza 95, 98 and the new coming varieties of the same quality category.
Super Giza varieties, which represent the category of long-staple varieties of Delta Egypt, such as, current commercial varieties Giza 86, 94, and 97 and the new coming varieties of the same quality category.
Extra Giza varieties, which represent the varieties in the characteristics of staple quality, such as: –
Extra-long staple varieties, i.e., Giza 96, and extra-long, extra-fine varieties such as Giza 45, 87, 93, and extra strength variety Giza 92 in addition to the new coming varieties of the same quality category
Fig 2: The Egyptian commercial varieties with modified names according to the ministerial decree no. 206/2022.
It is worth noting that prior to the ministerial decision was issued; Cotton Research Institute carried out meetings and coordinate with following stakeholders
1- Internal Cotton Trade Committee. ICTC
2- Cotton arbitration and testing general organization -CATGO
3- The Alexandria Cotton Exporters’ Association. -ALCOTEXA
4- Cotton Egypt Associations – CEA
As well as, number of major companies working in the field of Egyptian cotton trade.
The decision shown support, approval, which will have a great return in the field of Egyptian cotton trade.
CottonConnect’s REEL cotton pilot program in Egypt
CottonConnect is continuing to work in Egypt under its REEL Cotton Program, supporting Egyptian cotton as a premium fiber around the world.
REEL Cotton in Egypt will help Egypt’s cotton sector maintain the demand for more sustainable cotton. CottonConnect has worked in cooperation with the Cotton Research Institute and ElEkhlas which are the implementing partners at the grass-roots level. The implementation partners support farmer training to improve farm performance, reduce environmental impact and improve cotton quality in the supply chain.
REEL Cotton produced as per the REEL Cotton code covers both environmental and social criteria, with a big focus on enabling and supporting sustainable agricultural practices, such as sustainable pest management, improved soil health, and reduced fertilizer and water use. The program is implemented in a robust way that benefits all partners involved. Farmers involved in the program have shared that they started using bio-pesticides based on agro-ecosystem analysis on the recommendation of the expert agronomists. These practices have helped increase the presence of natural enemies of harmful pests, which has reduced farmers dependence on chemical pesticides and helped enhance and improve farm biodiversity, ultimately reducing expenditure.
“As sustainability of cotton production is one of our core values in ElEkhlas company, we are delighted to cooperate with Cotton Research Institute and with CottonConnect to implement REEL Cotton Program in Egypt. We have noticed the positive impact of the implementation of REEL program on the biodiversity, the farming community and on the production of cotton.”
Ali Abou Madawi, CEO, ElEkhlas Cotton Trading Company
“We are delighted to be working with CRI and ElEkhlas in Egypt, continuing our support for the Egyptian cotton sector, strengthening transparency, traceability and helping to build relationships between the farmers and brands. The REEL Cotton program has a holistic approach, focusing on sustainable farm practices along with training on long-term ecological impacts.”
Alison Ward, CEO, CottonConnect
REEL Cotton (Responsible Environment Enhanced Livelihoods) is CottonConnect’s flagship three-year agricultural training program for sustainable cotton production. The REEL Cotton Code is a code of conduct developed with and independently verified by third party, FLOCERT.
About CottonConnect
CottonConnect is a pioneering social enterprise that is re-imagining the future for supply chains. With headquarters in London, on-the-ground teams around the world, we help to improve the sustainability of global textile supply chains, thereby enabling producers and raw material farmers to work more responsibly and enjoy better livelihoods. Our work helps brands to access more sustainable cotton and other natural fibers, creating a more transparent and resilient supply chain that will continue to deliver the best cotton, now and in the future. At CottonConnect, we believe in helping brands, suppliers and farmers develop and maintain partnerships that are truly transformational.
Find out more about the REEL cotton code and program here:
http://www.cottonconnect.org
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