myBMP is:

• The Australian cotton industry’s voluntary farm and environmental management program for growers.
• Designed for all cotton growers, big and small.
• An online self-assessment program which identifies best management practices and legal obligations for Australian cotton production.
• A system that allows growers to confidentially compare practices and measure improvement.
• Aligned with internationally recognised quality assurance programs and marketing initiatives for sustainable cotton production.
• A way to access the latest research and farm management information.

The world’s leading brands and retailers are increasingly demanding raw materials produced using more sustainable methods. Some of the world’s largest brands are already sourcing 100% Better Cotton. In 2022, Better Cotton represented 22% of the world’s cotton production.

Better Cotton – the world’s leading sustainability initiative for cotton, whose mission is to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment – directly aligns with myBMP’s certification standards and provides an avenue for Australian cotton growers to access global premium markets.

Cotton from a myBMP-certified farm can be sold to merchants as Better Cotton. Since 2014, many Australian cotton growers have been able to negotiate a premium for their Better Cotton Claim Units (BCCUs), representing a significant opportunity to leverage the sustainability investments made on farm.

Australian cotton growers must do three things to qualify as a BCI grower:

1. Achieve myBMP certification.
2. Pay the full Cotton Australia levy.
3. Opt-in to BCI through Cotton Australia.

Bayer works with Cotton Australia to support farmers with two separate grants under the Better Farming program recognising that Australian cotton growers are continually striving to implement practices that benefit both the environment and produce the world’s highest quality cotton through Australia’s best management practice program, myBMP.

Cotton growers achieving myBMP certification in a calendar year will be eligible for a $2,000 (ex GST) grant under the Better Farming sustainable cotton farming initiative.

Supported by Cotton Australia and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), the Better Farming grant is available to all cotton farmers who undertake an audit and successfully complete myBMP certification of their operation during the calendar year. To be eligible to receive a grant, growers must successfully complete their myBMP certification prior to December 31st. These grants will be paid as a credit off the first invoice for Bayer technology fees^*.

The grants recognise the hard work in attaining myBMP certification and the contribution of certified growers in improving the industry’s sustainability credentials.

*Terms and Conditions apply.

For all growers that gain the myBMP certification, Bayer offers a set of Goanna Ag GoField™ Plus sensors free of charge (subject to availability)^*. The Water Use Efficiency (WUE) Program is intended to provide support to growers to use crop monitoring data to recognise water use efficiency gains. The sensors provide comprehensive soil moisture and canopy temperature data to help growers better manage their irrigation practices and reduce water use.

*Terms and Conditions apply.

Cotton Australia and farm insurer Achmea Australia (Achmea) have a strategic alliance that recognises cotton growers’ contribution to a sustainable future for the Australian cotton industry.

The alliance will support cotton growers through an insurance reward for those who are certified through the Best Management Practices program (myBMP).

The insurance reward is a premium discount offered by Achmea for its All-in-One Farm Pack to eligible cotton farmers who are certified through the myBMP program*. To contact Achmea, visit www.achmea.com.au, via email at [email protected] or on 1800 724 214.

*Terms and Conditions apply.

Cotton Australia has partnered with Safe Ag Systems to provide special access for cotton growers in using their software to improve their processes and in doing so, achieve myBMP certification.

The deal means Safe Ag Systems will deliver an exclusive offer for the Australian Cotton Industry resulting in discounted subscription costs and an ongoing discount^* for subscribers who achieve myBMP certification.

While the software simplifies record keeping, it also provides guidance and a suite of templates to support Levels 1-2 of myBMP Certification, it generates reports to demonstrate ‘best practice’ for certification and promotes a safe work culture to support your and your employee’s health, safety and well-being.

To contact Safe Ag Systems, visit www.safeagsystems.com, via email at [email protected] or on (08) 8490 0939

*Terms and Conditions apply.