A senior manager at Better Cotton has used her trip down under to attend Camp Cotton, to gain better insights into the emerging cotton industry in the NT and WA.

Natalie Ernst, the Senior Manager of Farm Sustainability Standards at Better Cotton, joined Cotton Australia’s Senior Policy Manager for Northern Australia Simone Cameron who demonstrated how land conversion can coexist with the region’s rich biodiversity.

With Australian land conversion laws and processes surpassing many international standards, cotton growers are working to expand the industry responsibly. "The industry is committed to remaining proactive and transparent about the Northern Australia industry expansion, and share that journey with key stakeholders and industry partners such as Better Cotton," emphasized Simone Cameron. She also noted, "Growers in the north have shown a strong uptake in myBMP (Best Management Practice) production standards and are proud to produce top-quality sustainable cotton."

Natalie and Simone, along with LDC Account Manager Holly Gall, served as guest speakers at the Wincott Katherine and Kununurra field walks on local cotton farms. Additionally, Natalie visited Tipperary Station meeting with Bruce Connolly, and engaged with growers in Kununurra during a BBQ, gaining valuable insights directly.

The trip provided a firsthand understanding of the remoteness and geography of Northern Australia, offering vital context for the ongoing land conversion efforts compared to the region's overall landmass. It also highlighted how diversified agricultural production can benefit local communities, promote environmental management, and protect High Conservation Value areas.