Mission Viejo, California-based Terra Thread (PPAI 799548) is working with an Indian cotton co-op to transition thousands of acres to regenerative organic cotton.

Gallant International, parent company of Mission Viejo, California-based supplier Terra Thread (PPAI 799548), along with its factory partners, is working with an Indian organic cotton co-op to transition more than 700 farmers to regenerative organic cotton. So far, more than 3,500 acres of land has been Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) by the Regenerative Cotton Alliance.

The Regenerative Organic Alliance is a California-based non-profit founded by Patagonia, Dr. Bronner's and the Rodale Institute. Its certification 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. Regenerative practices on the farm include intercropping, encouraging biodiversity, using organic inputs—ideally from within the farm’s ecosystem, little or no tilling, and crop rotation to keep soils covered year-round. In addition, the farming systems are certified to be fair-trade. The practices outlined in the certification are intended to increase organic matter in the soil and improveoverall soil health while providing fair and just working conditions for farmers and workers.

 “We’ve been using organic cotton for nearly a decade, and we’re just so thrilled to take it a step further with this certification,” says Vikrant Giria, founder of Gallant International and Terra Thread. “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, fairtrade premiums and rotational crops. This certification is much more than just a checklist. We’re working to create a more holistic supply chain that takes care of everyone involved, not just the buyer.”

 In 2022, Gallant and Terra Threads will offer woven shirts, knitwear, bags and accessories made with regenerative organic cotton.