New study recommends reintroducing cotton crop in Haiti

A new feasibility study sponsored by apparel brand Timberland found that there is a compelling need to reintroduce cotton in Haiti, which was once the country’s fourth largest agricultural export. The study which is also co sponsored by Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA) informed that cotton could connect small-scale Haitian farmers to the global economy.

The study titled ‘Cotton: Export Market Potential for Smallholder Farmers in Haiti’ noted that cotton farming collapsed nearly 30 years ago, due to a combination of politics and policies.

Key factors outlined in the study in support of cotton’s return to Haiti include, ideal growing conditions, considerable farmer interest and making available, agricultural best practices to farmers.

The study recommended that cotton be reintroduced, along with a comprehensive support system and range of services that were not in place when cotton failed in earlier years.