The CG Foundation Standard is built on six principles, each with measurable criteria that farmers must meet to achieve and maintain certification.
The CG Foundation Standard defines what sustainable cotton means in the context of Indian smallholder farming. It is a living document, reviewed every three years with input from farmers, scientists, brands and civil society.
Compliance is assessed through a combination of self-assessment, field monitoring and independent third-party verification against clear, measurable criteria.
Maintain or improve soil organic matter, structure and microbial health through minimum tillage, composting and cover crops.
Reduce water use per kg of lint cotton through efficient irrigation, soil moisture management and rainwater harvesting.
Implement Integrated Pest Management — reducing synthetic pesticide use by minimum 25% and eliminating WHO Class I/II pesticides.
Protect on-farm biodiversity through buffer zones, habitat corridors and elimination of prohibited herbicides.
Track farm-gate prices, yields and input costs — farmers must demonstrate progress toward a living income benchmark.
Prohibit child labour, forced labour and discrimination — with specific provisions for women workers and migrant labour.
Ready to join India's leading sustainable cotton standard? Start your certification journey today.