With cold winters and early frosts, the High Plains of Texas are an ideal area for raising organic cotton. The cold winters keep insect pressure low and early frosts naturally defoliate the plants, which is especially important since the cotton is grown using organic farming methods.

Rather than applying synthetic pesticides on the soil or plants, organic producers invest large amounts of time in researching safe and effective pest and disease control. This means that weeds are usually eliminated manually with a hoe and beneficial insects are added to the fields. Extra caution is also taken in processing the raw fiber. Organic cotton is kept separate from other fiber to insure its integrity. From the time the bales enter the processing facility, extra care and attention are given to cleaning the equipment and keeping the organic cotton in bale merges and lot numbers that can be tracked throughout the plant.

Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative

Thirty families, many of whom are 3rd and 4th generation stewards of the land, live on the High Plains of Texas, and farm cotton organically. In the fall of 1993, several producers made the commitment to each other and the organic cotton industry to create a stable and consistent supply of certified organic cotton fiber. 

Working with various mills and manufacturers, this cooperative has created a central source for ordering fiber, and the ability to arrange for timely delivery and shipment dates. The cotton produced and marketed through the cooperative is certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Organic Essentials, Inc. sources their organic fiber from this group of dedicated producers!