Achieving a 97% accuracy rate in identifying cotton fields and over 80% accuracy in determining their organic status, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and AI firm Marple have revealed the results of their groundbreaking Satellite Cotton Monitoring Project in India. This innovative project, designed to address key industry challenges, aims to increase the availability of organic cotton and safeguard fibre integrity, building upon GOTS’s already robust measures.
Global Standard, a pioneer, solution provider and thought leader in the voluntary sustainability standards space, continues its tradition of innovation and creative thinking with the Satellite Cotton Monitoring Project.
How it Works
Co-funded by Global Standard, the non-profit behind GOTS, 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, encompassing the states of Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, gathering 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. Following algorithm training, it was applied to India’s entire agricultural area, spanning a remarkable 2.7 million square kilometres. Within seconds, CoCuRA identified all organic and conventional cotton fields with exceptional accuracy. This project’s scale is unprecedented, with no comparable project or data currently in existence.
Enhancing Organic Cotton Availability
The technology’s ability to pinpoint cotton fields where farmers employ near-organic or uncertified organic methods can ensure a consistent increase in certified organic cotton by simplifying their certification process.
Jeffrey Thimm, organic production specialist at Global Standard, stated, “This technology identifies farmers who utilize sustainable methods aligned with organic standards but lack certification. By integrating these farms into conversion projects, it enhances organic cotton supply, promotes sustainable farming practices and enables farmers to access premiums for their produce.”
Securing Organic Fibre Integrity
Building upon GOTS’s robust integrity measures, the CoCuRA software incorporates AI technology with satellite data to meticulously verify cultivation practices. The collected data 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 across the value chain to banning harmful chemicals in certified textiles, GOTS sets a benchmark for integrity and sustainability. Furthermore, GOTS certification serves as a powerful tool that assists companies in complying with legal requirements globally.
“For over 20 years, we have been pioneering solutions to support the industry’s 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 rising demand for genuine organic cotton. Additionally, this eye in the sky will prevent fraud by allowing us to crosscheck locations and field sizes in a very cost-efficient way. 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 wider 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. Firstly, the country is extremely large and spans several climate zones. Secondly, field sizes are very small, and thirdly, field boundaries are often indistinguishable, with one field merging into the next. 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 .
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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 Oliver Schuette Gute Leude Fabrik GmbH & Co. KG herrschuette@guteleudefabrik.de
