Request for Proposals - Better Cotton Pesticide Committee

Request for Proposals: Better Cotton Pesticide Committee

Applications Deadline: 30th May 2025

Location: Remote

Start Date: September 2025

End Date: 31st September 2027

Description

Better Cotton is the world’s largest cotton sustainability programme. Our mission: to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment. In difficult times, we are meeting the challenge head on. Through our network of field-level partners we have provided training on more sustainable farming practices to more than 2.9 million cotton farmers in 26 countries. More than a fifth of the world’s cotton is now grown under the Better Cotton Standard and our membership network includes more than 2,400 members.

Background & Purpose

Since its creation, Better Cotton has consistently worked with cotton farmers to phase out the use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHP’s) to reduce the concentration of various chemical compounds in the growth of cotton.

By working with experts in Crop Protection Better Cotton has taken significant steps towards embracing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach towards reducing Farmer’s dependence on HHP’s.

In some cases, viable alternatives may not yet exist for specific HHPs targeted for phase out. In these circumstances, phasing out HHPs without better alternatives can lead to adverse impacts, such as greater use of broad-spectrum insecticides, pesticide resistance and/or negative impacts on yields and livelihoods. To address this challenge, Better Cotton has set up a specific exceptional use process for HHPs (Annex-1).

The Better Cotton Pesticides Committee (‘the Committee') role is to review applications on behalf of Better Cotton Producers or Programme Partners to request exceptional use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). The process consists in carefully evaluating each application, taking into consideration the consequences of continued HHP use, impacts on farmers (e.g., livelihoods as well as health and safety), and the technical and/or financial trade-offs of alternatives.

The Committee assesses each application based on specific, defined conditions as outlined in the application process, including consideration of the monitoring and reporting process, use of mitigation measures, and other factors.

We are now looking to broaden the composition of the Pesticides Committee by inviting new experts to join, while continuing collaboration with current members where possible. This updated call for proposals invites applications for a two-year term (2025–2027).

Composition of The Committee

The Committee comprises 5-8 members selected by the Director of Standards & Assurance and Crop protection manager, based on an application and interview process. The Committee include representation from technical experts (with expertise in IPM) as well as Producer/ Programme Partner representatives. Terms on the Committee are set for two years with option to extend. Additional ad-hoc Committee members or Better Cotton staff may be asked to join on a temporary basis to evaluate specific exceptional use applications – for example if specific country or pest expertise is required for a thorough evaluation.

For each specific application received, a minimum of 3 core Committee members (excluding any ad-hoc members) called subcommittee, are appointed to review and decide on the application

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Better Cotton is committed to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human and financial resources. All applications will be reviewed under the principles and subject to Better Cotton’s policies on equal opportunity, non-discrimination, anti-bribery & corruption and conflict of interest.