In a landmark event for sustainable cotton cultivation, Dr. Juan Lazo, director of the Instituto Peruano del Algodón (IPA), visited the first experimental organic cotton field of the Pima IPA 59 variety. This innovative trial took place on the Hilbck family’s farm in Alto Piura and marked the world’s first cultivation of this promising variety under both organic and Fair Trade standards.

The Pima IPA 59 strain was developed by Dr. Lazo himself, and its initial planting and harvest were carried out in a joint venture with Peru Naturtex Partners, under the leadership of Dr. James M. Vreeland, Jr. The successful trial culminated in a lush harvest of clean, healthy cotton, all picked by hand. The event was documented with drone footage, including aerial shots piloted by representatives of Vedalia, a Naturtex client from the United States.

This milestone reflects Naturtex’s ongoing commitment to sustainable innovation in fiber sourcing. It was made possible thanks to the dedicated collaboration of the Hilbck family and a field team united by a fully transparent, verified, and sustainable supply chain.