Lessons learned from regenerative cotton initiatives
LVMH supports new knowledge-sharing activities on regenerative cotton
A new initiative will support the sharing of knowledge on sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices in the cotton sector.
Funded by CBA Founder Member LVMH, the initiative includes activities such as a policy brief, online training and research which will draw on practical insights from the Living Lab 1.0 in Chad.
This pilot project took place between 2022-2024, and tested using sustainable agroforestry approaches to restore degraded land and improve livelihoods in the Logone Occidental and Lac Provinces. This included a 20-hectare regenerative agroforestry cotton pilot as well as training for farmers in regenerative approaches and establishing a community tree nursery.
The pilot project provided valuable insights into what is possible and what’s needed to create a viable blueprint for regenerative agroforestry cotton in semi-arid regions. The lessons learned from both this project and other regenerative cotton production approaches will be synthesised in a policy brief, and used for online capacity-building and training materials.
The CBA will also carry out research into opportunities to enhance the value of regenerative cotton across the supply chain, exploring approaches such as traceability systems and certification pathways.
The CBA’s CEO Marc Palahí and Hélène Valade, LVMH Group Environment Development Director signed the agreement in Paris on 17 July, before announcing a new phase of the project at the UNCCD COP 17 in August 2026 at Ulaan Baatar.
Marc Palahí said: “We are grateful for the support from LVMH for our work on cotton, which will help us share practical insights and research on regenerating landscapes, strengthening livelihoods and opening new market opportunities. This will be invaluable for informing policy, programme design and investment decisions in regions like Chad.”
Hélène Valade said: “LVMH has committed to preserving or regenerating 5 million hectares by 2030, particularly within its supply chains. The Group is proud to collaborate with the CBA and to continue supporting regenerative cotton production in Chad started notably through training and technical support for farmers. A successful initial phase, implemented over the 2022-2024, has helped establish best practices. This next phase, with the support of the CBA and local partners, will focus on sharing with as many farmers as possible.”
Hélène Valade (LVMH Group Environment Development Director) and Marc Palahí (CBA CEO), 17 July Paris
Photo: Bertrand Noel
