Establishment of GMO-Free Cotton Inc.

GMO-Free Cotton Inc. was established in 2021 through a partnership between İzmir Commodity Exchange (İTB) and the National Cotton Council (UPK) to implement the “GMO Free Turkish Cotton” project.

The company's primary field of activity is to promote and establish GMO-free cotton production, one of Türkiye's significant competitive advantages, as an internationally recognized brand, leverage this advantage to create added value for the textile and apparel industries, and manage the processes associated with the “GMO Free Turkish Cotton” certification mark.

GMO Free Turkish Cotton Certification Mark

The “GMO Free Turkish Cotton” Certification Mark was registered through a partnership between İzmir Commodity Exchange (İTB), the National Cotton Council (UPK) and the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters' Association (İTHİB).

The certification mark aims to promote GMO-free cotton produced in Türkiye, as well as textile and apparel products manufactured from this cotton, in international markets with a reliable and distinctive identity.

Certification and Labeling System

Through the labeling system established under the certification mark, ginning companies can certify GMO-free Turkish cotton, while textile and apparel companies can certify products manufactured in compliance with the requirements of the “GMO Free Standard.”

This system supports the traceability and reliability of GMO-free Turkish cotton throughout the entire process, from production to the final product.

Contributions to the Sector

The project aims to enhance the visibility of Türkiye's competitive advantage arising from GMO-free cotton production and differentiate Turkish textile products in global markets.

It also aims to increase international awareness of GMO-free Turkish cotton, create higher added value in textile and apparel products, and strengthen the sector's global competitiveness.