ORGANIC FIELD

ORGANIC FIELD - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA What is ORGANIC FIELD?

Collaborating with cotton growers,
our commitment to organic conversion
begins with seed selection.
This is our ORGANIC FIELD.
[New 12.10]

Collaborating with cotton growers,
our commitment to organic conversion
begins with seed selection.
This is our ORGANIC FIELD.

ORGANIC FIELD is our initiative dedicated to supporting Indian cotton farmers in their transition to organic farming. Through this program, we aim to reduce environmental impact and improve their labor conditions in cotton-growing regions.
We actively purchase "Cotton in Conversion" — cotton grown during the three-year transition period toward full organic certification. By doing so, we encourage more farmers to take the first step toward organic practices and help expand the adoption of organic agriculture.
The cotton we source is carefully managed through an organic process from seed selection through to cotton cultivation and yarn production, and ensure its traceability.

Why the Transition
to Organic Farming is Necessary - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA

Why the Transition
to Organic Farming is Necessary

Conventional cotton farming relies on thousands of tons of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and it causes soil, water and air pollution. The use of these chemical substances has negative impacts on biodiversity and disrupts the ecological balance. This method of agriculture, along with forestry and other land uses, also generates a large share of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to organic methods not only helps reduce the impacts on the global environment, but also protects farmers’ health and improves their working conditions.

Why Organic Cotton
Has Yet to Become Widespread

Organic cotton still represents only 1.4% of global cotton production*. One major reason behind this low percentage is the required three-year transition period before organic certification can be obtained. Transitioning farmland to organic takes a lot of time and effort, including improving soil health and eliminating chemicals. Cotton harvested during this period is referred to as “Cotton in Conversion”. Even though it is cultivated using the same methods as certified organic cotton, this cotton is not yet recognized as organic in the market, as the soil requires a certain period of time to meet organic standards. This lack of recognition and market value makes it difficult for farmers to commit to organic farming.

Our ORGANIC FIELD initiative addresses this challenge by not only providing guidance on organic farming techniques, but also paying a premium for cotton in conversion — from Year 1 (IC1) through Year 3 (IC3). This support encourages farmers to make the transition with confidence and we continue to support them even after certification is achieved.

*Textile Exchange. Organic Cotton Market Report 2022.
https://textileexchange.org/app/uploads/2022/10/Textile-Exchange_OCMR_2022.pdf

Transition period to organic cotton - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
ORGANIC FIELD - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
ORGANIC FIELD Roadmap
2020-2024

ORGANIC FIELD was launched in response to the organic cotton fraud scandal that occurred in India in 2020, out of a sense of responsibility as a company handling cotton and a strong commitment to consistently deliver reliable organic cotton that consumers can trust.

2020
Roadmap-2020- STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
  • Conducted feasibility studies for organic cotton cultivation in the Nagpur region of central India
  • Selected focus regions and invited local farmers to participate in the project
Gained support from approximately 1,500 farming households
2021
Roadmap-2021- STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
  • Conducted a deeper investigation into the organic cotton fraud issue and identified its root causes, leading to a partnership with seed company NSL Group
  • Selected non-GMO seeds for cultivation
  • Began cotton farming with participating farmers
  • Reintroduced the benefits of organic agriculture to farmers to raise awareness and motivation
2021/11-12
Roadmap-2021/11-12- STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA

First harvest of cotton under the ORGANIC FIELD initiative

2022
Roadmap-2022- STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
  • Strengthened technical training and education on organic farming practices
  • Provided instruction on proper cotton storage methods to minimize contamination
  • Supported farmers in the steady adoption of sustainable farming techniques
Welcomed additional participating farmers
2023
Roadmap-2023- STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA

Began preparing necessary documentation to ship cotton in the process of obtaining organic certification

2024
Roadmap-2024- STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA

Initiated support programs to help certified farmers move toward independent and self-sustaining operations

Farmers who joined the program in its first year successfully obtained GOTS certification under NPOP standards*
* NPOP : National Program for Organic Production by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India
Our Efforts

To help farmers successfully transition to organic farming and become self-reliant in the long term, ORGANIC FIELD is built around six core initiatives.
Through these efforts, we are contributing toward job creation and local community development.

01
Our Efforts01 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
Formed a partnership with NSL, a leading seed company in India, to select and distribute non-GMO seeds to participating farmers.
02
Our Efforts02 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
Provided education on organic cotton cultivation techniques and the knowledge required to obtain organic certification.
03
Our Efforts03 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
Offered hands-on technical guidance from seed planting to harvest, including training in the production of organic fertilizers.
04
Our Efforts04 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
To offset lower yields or quality in the early stages of conversion, we purchase cotton at a premium above market price to help farmers maintain financial stability.
05
Our Efforts05 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
Continued support even after organic certification, to help farmers sustain organic cotton cultivation independently.
06
Our Efforts06 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
Created opportunities for dialogue with farmers and held workshops in local schools to share information and knowledge about organic farming.
Reports from Farm

We regularly share on-the-ground updates from ORGANIC FIELD farms, including the cultivation and harvesting process, as well as progress on ongoing initiatives.

Reports from Farm - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
[2024.12.10]
A portion of the cotton harvested in 2024 has now entered the ginning facility, where the seeds are separated from the fiber. The quality of the cotton is excellent. One of the key focuses at this stage is how effectively foreign matter and impurities can be removed.
Reports from Farm 2024.11.29 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
[2024.11.29]
We regularly hold feedback sessions with our contracted farmers. During these discussions, we’ve received encouraging comments such as, “My skin no longer suffers from irritation caused by pesticides,” and “Thanks to the strong support system, including the distribution of seeds and cotton collection bags.” We received positive feedback.
Reports from Farm 2024.11.29 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
[2024.11.29]
Our company president, along with other executives and team members, participated in the harvest of the cotton that was planted in May. While there were initial concerns about the crop’s growth, we were pleased to confirm that the cotton has developed well. Engaging directly in the harvest process offers a renewed sense of connection and appreciation for the work involved. We hope to share this valuable experience with all of you.
Reports from Farm 2024.08.30 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
[2024.08.30]
This year, we've seen more rainfall than usual, and we're a little concerned about how it might affect the crops. Cotton farming, like all agriculture, is delicate—too little rain can harm the plants, but too much can also cause problems. It’s a reminder of just how much farming depends on finding balance with nature.
A Traceable Journey of ORGANIC FIELD
A Traceable Journey
of ORGANIC FIELD

ORGANIC FIELD ensures complete traceability and control from farm to yarn. We use non-GMO seeds, cultivate cotton through organic farming methods, and harvest entirely by hand. From on-farm storage to the spinning process, we maintain strict management system to prevent contamination.

01
Providing farmers
with non-GMO seeds
A Traceable Journey of ORGANIC FIELD1 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
02
Fields free of pesticides
and chemical fertilizers
A Traceable Journey of ORGANIC FIELD2 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
03
Planting seeds by hand
A Traceable Journey of ORGANIC FIELD3 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
04
Handpicking
to protect fiber quality
A Traceable Journey of ORGANIC FIELD4 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
05
Long-staple cotton
(MCU-5)
A Traceable Journey of ORGANIC FIELD5 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
06
Separating cotton lint from
the seed at the ginning factory
A Traceable Journey of ORGANIC FIELD6 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
07
Manual removal
of contaminants<
A Traceable Journey of ORGANIC FIELD7 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
08
Spinning at NSL
A Traceable Journey of ORGANIC FIELD8 - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA
Partner

Our Partner in Ensuring Full Traceability
— from Seed to Spinning

NSL Group
Headquarters :
Hyderabad, Telangana, South-Central India

NSL, based in Hyderabad in Telangana State, in south-central India, was founded in the mid-1970s by Mr. M. Prabhakar Rao as a seed company. In the area of cotton production, NSL has leveraged its strength as India’s largest seed company to collaborate with farmers, undertaking production on approximately 8,000 hectares of farmland. NSL has established an integrated production system covering every stage from cotton cultivation through to spinning, weaving and finishing, which ensures traceability.

Partner [NSL Group] - STYLEM FABRIC STORE USA