OCA introduces Turkey's inaugural organic cotton training program

Trkiye Introduces Its First Comprehensive Organic Cotton Training Program

The Organic Cotton Training Curriculum (OCTC) is now accessible in both Turkish and English, accompanied by a Trainers Handbook designed to support nationwide implementation. Created in partnership with Ankara-based Prospera Impact and guided by local sector stakeholders, the curriculum customizes established best practices to suit Trkiyes specific soil types, climate, and agricultural conditions.

This initiative also marks the introduction of the programs first module on regenerative agriculture, offering structured guidance on maintaining soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and building long-term farm resilience. In addition to agronomic techniques, the OCTC features modules on farm management and digital skills. These sections aim to improve record-keeping, optimize input planning and crop rotation, and enable farmers to use digital toolsfrom basic mobile apps to advanced farm data platformsfor tracking performance and making informed decisions.

Trkiyes cotton farmers are prepared to advance their practices, and the OCTC provides the actionable guidance to achieve this, stated mr Suner, OCAs country manager in Trkiye. By adapting the curriculum to local agronomic realities and partnering closely with domestic experts, we ensure that both field officers and farmers gain practical, high-quality support. This resource is pivotal in reinforcing Trkiyes role as a leader in organic cotton cultivation.

The curriculum underwent testing with field teams during workshops conducted throughout Trkiyes cotton-producing regions this season. It builds on OCAs training model previously implemented in India in 2022 and Pakistan in 2023, which encompassed 25 agronomic sessions and strengthened the skills of nearly 200 field personnel.

The launch comes after OCA formally expanded into Trkiye in 2024 and aligns with its long-term vision to develop a sustainable, transparent national organic cotton sector that benefits farmers and preserves local ecosystems. OCA also noted that the curriculum will be periodically updated based on field feedback and expert guidance, inviting organizations across cotton and sustainable agriculture sectors to integrate the OCTC into their own educational initiatives.

Sources:

• OCA launches Türkiye’s first organic cotton training curriculum