The Thing About Cotton

In this episode, Joe Nicosia, Executive Vice President Louis Dreyfus Company and current Chairman of National Cotton Council, shares his insights on the crucial role of merchants in the ever-evolving cotton industry.

Joe reflects on his background, the influence of strong women in his life, and the importance of diversity in business.

We discuss the multifaceted responsibilities of a merchant, from the traditional role of managing price risks and ensuring quality, to the growing need for merchants to effectively communicate cotton's sustainable narrative amidst competition from man-made fibers.

Featuring Jennifer Ilkiw as she discusses her role as President of ICE Futures U.S., where the benchmark price of cotton is formed every day, and her 20+ year career in global derivatives and commodity markets. Tune in to hear about ICE’s role in the cotton value chain, the evolution of technology in cotton markets and how the exchange works with the wider cotton community.

This episode introduces the first of our series on farming practices. These practices vary by region and country and are heavily influenced by climate, water availability and soil type, amongst other interesting factors.
To start this series we have a wonderful second generation cotton farmer from the Darling Downs, Southeast Queensland, Australia.  Lauren Roellgen introduces us to her family’s farming business and explains what growing cotton means to her.  We also hear about the incredible innovation and technology employed to produce some of the best cotton in the world and why Lauren decided to leave the corporate world to return to farming.

This week, we are joined by Eva Bille, a director a Hill and Knowlton specializing in European sustainability practices, to investigate the shifting EU political landscape and its impact on the cotton industry. Eva's insights into key aspects of the EU Green Deal and specific policy proposals, such as the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology, shed light on sustainability initiatives and environmental considerations. We discuss the intricate intersection between EU regulations and the cotton industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complexities of natural fibers and the benefits they offer.

The conversation underscores the need for accurate data provision, traceability, and the potential unintended consequences of EU regulations on the global cotton industry.

Hosts: Eimear McDonagh, Camille Cluzel, Katie Farren
Additional Resources:
-          https://www.makethelabelcount.org/
-          https://eplca.jrc.ec.europa.eu/EnvironmentalFootprint.html
-          https://ica-ltd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CICCA-Letter-to-European-Council-2.pdf 

Find out more about the Women in Cotton group and its upcoming events and initiatives on our website https://ica-ltd.org/women-in-cotton/ and LinkedIn Group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8755927

In our inaugural episode, we welcome Kim Hanna, President of the International Cotton Association, to discuss the ICA’s role in the cotton industry, as well as her own remarkable journey to becoming the ICA’s first female President. Kim shares her experiences in navigating the primarily male-dominated industry and her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion through initiatives like Women in Cotton. Her vision as President focuses on fostering inclusivity, addressing industry challenges, and collaborating with brands and retailers on sustainability and traceability initiatives.
The episode underscores the ICA's commitment to bridging gaps in the industry, advocating for fair trade practices, and sharing the positive impact of cotton production worldwide.
Hosts: Eimear McDonagh, Camille Cluzel, Katie Farren
Support the show and the Women in Cotton group by visiting our website https://ica-ltd.org/women-in-cotton/ and joining our LinkedIn Group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8755927

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Brought to you by the International Cotton Association (ICA), join various hosts from the ICA’s Women in Cotton initiative and their guests as they explore the anatomy of the cotton value chain and bring awareness to the industry through highlighting female leaders and achievement. The views in this podcast belong to the individuals featured and do not in any way represent the views of the ICA.