What Is Regenerative Organic Cotton Farming?

Most farming takes from the land. Organic regenerative farming gives back.

At Naturepedic, we believe the future of cotton should be rooted in respect for the earth, for the farmers who grow it and for the people who use it – it's part of our Farm to Bed philosophy. That’s why we work directly with certified organic cotton farmers right here in the U.S. who go beyond organic standards by practicing regenerative agriculture.

The regenerative farming movement is gaining momentum as more people question the impacts of the products they buy – and how they’re made. So what does regenerative organic cotton farming really mean? And why does it matter for the planet, our health and the future of textiles?

Let’s take a closer look, with insight from one of Naturepedic’s partner farmers leading the way.

Regenerative farming is a method of agriculture that combines certified organic practices with additional regenerative techniques that aim to rebuild soil health, enhance biodiversity and restore the environment.

Unlike conventional cotton farming – which often relies on toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified seeds and excessive water use – regenerative organic farming is focused on healing the land rather than depleting it.

As Jeremy Brown, a regenerative organic cotton farmer in the Texas panhandle, puts it: “It’s about giving back to the soil, creating a living system that keeps functioning season after season. It’s about taking care of the land, because the land takes care of us.”

Regenerative organic cotton farming is rooted in a systems-based approach that prioritizes the health of the soil, the ecosystem and the people connected to it. Below are five core principles that guide this holistic method – and help differentiate it from both conventional and standard organic farming.

Healthy soil is the foundation of regenerative organic agriculture. Through cover cropping, composting and reduced tillage, farmers work to restore soil fertility and microbial life. These practices help the soil retain nutrients, build resilience and reduce the need for synthetic inputs.

Without access to synthetic fertilizers or herbicides, regenerative farmers must rely on the biology of the soil itself. They know how to make the land work for them naturally because they recognize the importance of the soil and how it tells the story of what it grows. 

Improving soil health also supports carbon sequestration – the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon in the ground. Regenerative farmers use practices like diverse crop rotations and year-round cover cropping to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon storage in the soil.

These methods not only help reverse damage caused by industrial agriculture, but offer farmers a critical role in the climate conversation. Farmers can be a solution to climate change and help repair the earth. Regenerative practices like animal integration, cover crops and soil stewardship all help capture carbon and restore balance.

Conventional cotton is often criticized for its water usage, but regenerative organic systems are designed to work with nature, not against it. Healthy soil acts like a sponge, retaining water more efficiently and reducing the need for irrigation. Regenerative farmers also use mulching, no-till methods and thoughtful crop rotation to conserve water, which are especially vital in drought-prone regions.

By mimicking natural ecosystems, regenerative organic farms support greater biodiversity. Farmers rely on companion planting, pollinator habitats and intercropping to manage pests without chemicals – creating a balanced, self-sustaining system.

Nature thrives on diversity. You wouldn’t expect to see only one plant growing in a natural setting – you see thousands. So why are our farms expected to be any different? The answer is they shouldn’t be. On regenerative organic cotton fields, you’ll find a variety of cover crops that feed soil microbes and invite beneficial insects that keep harmful pests in check naturally and without even more harmful pesticides.

Regenerative organic farming is also about supporting people – from the farmers in the field to the communities they serve and the people purchasing the products they helped create. These systems often favor small- to mid-scale farms, fair wages and long-term land stewardship, allowing farmers to thrive without relying on the industrial agriculture model.

“Most of the organic farmers I know deeply care about the land,” Jeremy shares. “They care about serving it well – and they care about the people they’re feeding and clothing.”

The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries on the planet, and conventional cotton production plays a significant role – from pesticide use to soil degradation and water waste. Regenerative organic cotton farming offers a better way.

At Naturepedic, we abide by a Farm to Bed philosophy. We’ve always believed that how something is made matters – and that includes the raw materials we source for our certified organic mattresses and bedding. By supporting regenerative organic farmers, we’re investing in:

• Cleaner soil and air
• Healthier ecosystems
• Safer, more ethical textiles
• A future where people and planet both thrive

As Jeremy puts it, “You are what you eat, but you’re also what you wear. It all matters – and we have to take responsibility for how things are grown, how they’re made and who’s impacted.”

When you choose products made with regenerative organic cotton, you’re supporting a system that nourishes the earth instead of depleting it. You’re protecting the future of farming, our environment and your health.

And you’re helping farmers like Jeremy continue to do what they do best: grow with care.