97% accuracy rate in detecting cotton fields, over 80% accuracy in determining organic status
Stuttgart, Germany, Sept. 17, 2024 — The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and AI firm Marple have announced the results of their Satellite Cotton Monitoring Project in India, which has achieved a 97% accuracy rate in detecting cotton fields and over 80% accuracy in determining their organic status. This project aims to address challenges in the organic cotton industry by increasing organic cotton availability and securing fibre integrity, building on GOTS’s existing robust measures.
Global Standard is a leading organization in the voluntary sustainability standards space, and the Satellite Cotton Monitoring Project exemplifies its commitment to innovation and creative thinking.
How it Works
Co-financed by Global Standard and the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme, the project utilizes the Cotton Cultivation Remote Assessment (CoCuRA) software developed by Marple.
Field teams surveyed over 6,000 fields in India, collecting data on crops, soil types, and cultivation status. This data was then used by Marple to refine the CoCuRA algorithm for cotton specifics in India. After training the algorithm, it was applied to the entire agricultural area of India, covering 2.7 million square kilometres. CoCuRA detected all organic and conventional cotton fields with remarkable accuracy, demonstrating its unique capabilities in this field.
Enhancing Organic Cotton Availability
The technology’s ability to pinpoint cotton fields where farmers use near-organic or uncertified organic methods can ensure a steady increase in certified organic cotton by facilitating their certification process.
Jeffrey Thimm, organic production specialist at Global Standard, stated, “This technology identifies farmers who use sustainable methods that meet organic standards but lack certification. By integrating these farms into conversion projects, it boosts organic cotton supply, promotes sustainable farming practices and enables farmers to access premiums on their supplies.”
Securing Organic Fibre Integrity
Building on GOTS’s robust integrity measures, the CoCuRA software integrates AI technology with satellite data to meticulously verify cultivation practices. The data collected also contributes to Global Standards’ Global Fibre Registry, consolidating comprehensive data on raw material production before entering the GOTS value chain, further enhancing fraud detection and prevention.
Sustainability in Textiles
Global Standard is recognized for its comprehensive approach to sustainability. From promoting human rights along the value chain to banning harmful chemicals in certified textiles, GOTS sets a benchmark for integrity and sustainability. GOTS certification helps companies comply with legal requirements globally.
“For over 20 years, we have been pioneering solutions to help the industry on its journey towards sustainability,” said Claudia Kersten, managing director of Global Standard. “This project is a game changer, combining satellite technology with AI to meet the growing demand for genuine organic cotton. This innovative approach will prevent fraud by allowing us to crosscheck locations and field sizes cost-effectively. It’s a win-win-win situation: farmers have an incentive to grow organic and improve their lives, the industry can secure its supply and meet its sustainability goals, and consumers have a greater choice of organic textiles.”
Future Prospects and Global Impact
Following the successful pilot in India, the project aims to expand globally.
Daniel Lanz, managing partner at Marple, said, “India faces unique challenges in the satellite-based detection of agricultural fields. The country is extremely large and spans several climate zones, field sizes are very small, and field boundaries are often indistinguishable. Despite these challenges, CoCuRA has achieved astonishing accuracy in detecting cotton fields and assessing their cultivation methods. This breakthrough provides a pioneering overview of cotton production in India that would be impossible to achieve on the ground. CoCuRA will help protect the integrity of organic farmers and may facilitate more smallholders transitioning to organic farming by simplifying the certification process.”
Guillaume Tuan Prigent, a business developer and partnership officer in ESA’s Applications Projects and Studies Division said, “The potential impact of the solution lies in its ability to be scaled, and this is exactly what we are working on. We are looking to deliver a solution that could have a global impact for the benefit of all. “
Global Standard is eager to see this technology extend to other regions and additional fibres, which could revolutionise how crops are monitored.
Watch a about the project and find a media kit with .
###
About Global Organic Textile Standard
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), managed by non-profit Global Standard, is the world’s leading standard for organic textile certification. It sets strict environmental and social criteria for the entire textile value chain, from the harvesting of raw materials to the finished product. GOTS certification ensures the integrity of finished organic textiles and provides comprehensive solutions for the industry and assurance to consumers worldwide. For more information, visit .
About Marple
Marple, a German startup established in 2021, specializes in developing advanced machine learning models for earth observation. Their projects encompass a wide spectrum of applications, including automated detection of cars and delivery traffic, pinpointing the warmest spots in cities, and identifying areas experiencing water stress. Request more info on Marple’s projects at .
About ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS)
ESA Business Applications Space Solutions is the go-to place for great business ideas involving space in all areas of society and economy. Our mission is to support entrepreneurs in Europe in the development of business using satellite applications and space technology to improve everyday life, delivering environmental and societal benefits. To find out how ESA BASS can help your business please visit .
Attachments
CONTACT: Katie Lee Global Standard gGmbH lee@global-standard.org
