Representatives from Better Cotton visited Australian cotton regions in January to audit the auditors of Cotton Australia’s myBMP program and learn more about local production systems.

The visit was led by Alison Roel, Senior Assurance Manager with Better Cotton in London, and Gledson S. Carvalho, Programme Officer based in Brazil. They focused on reviewing myBMP grower audits and understanding Australian systems, including how dryland cotton is grown.

The audit began in Jerilderie, followed by a visit to Cotton Australia Chair Liz Stott’s farm in Leeton. The delegation then travelled to the Darling Downs, visiting Tyson Armitage at Wamara Farming in Cecil Plains, Johannes and Lauren Roellegen at Brookstead, and John Cameron in Bongeen.

Representatives also sought feedback from growers on the Better Cotton program and reporting requirements, focusing on potential improvements. A common theme was the importance of a clear monetary return on the bale for myBMP-certified growers.

Cotton Australia’s Michael Murray joined discussions on the steps needed for myBMP to move towards becoming a certification scheme.

The week concluded with a summary of audit findings, which were all positive.