Alison Ward, CEO of CottonConnect

This episode looks at the transformative role of cotton in global livelihoods, particularly focusing on women's empowerment in agriculture. It explores the challenges faced by women in cotton farming, the impact of climate change, and the importance of sustainable practices. As CEO of CottonConnect, Alison shares insights from her journey – via cocoa – through to the cotton industry, the initiatives of CottonConnect, and the significant improvements seen through programs focusing on women in cotton. She emphasises the importance of sustainability investments having commercial value, critical to enabling brands and retailers to manage risk in their raw material sourcing. The conversation highlights the need for systemic change and the potential of regenerative farming to create a more sustainable future for cotton production.