The African Cotton & Textile Industries Federation (ACTIF) is partnering with the U.S. based Organic Exchange to hold a regional organic cotton conference from 24th to 27th June 2008 in Kampala, Uganda. The conference will provide a valuable networking forum for stakeholders across the value chain from ‘farm to retail’ and all interested stakeholders are cordially invited to join us at this event.

The organic fiber industry, both production and processing, is undergoing exponential growth and Africa is ideally suited to tap into the enormous potential that exists in the production and manufacturing of organic cotton products - ACTIF wishes to pursue this potential; a potential that is demand led, as can be seen by the worldwide trend in organic apparel at the consumer and retail level.

Participants will look at the global organic cotton market, the competitive position of Africa and explore next steps in developing an "Organic Africa" strategy.

Sessions will focus on issues across the value chain on costs, certification, labeling, business cases and sourcing organic cotton fiber through to fabric.

Participants will have the opportunity to connect with cotton professionals from across the region, create market linkages and transact business with regional suppliers at the Organic Market Place.

For more detail and to register, please log on to www.cottonafrica.com or www.organicexchange.org or go the conference site direct at www.cottonafrica.com/conference

More about the conference program:

With the theme “The Business of Organic – Integrating the Cotton & Textile Supply Chain”, the conference will cover the cotton, textile & apparel supply chain, and features internationally renowned speakers and cotton professionals from around the world, discussing a wide range of topics of interest to the organic cotton community. There will also be a market place display of products.

Main topics include:

Overview of organic cotton production from global to local markets

Business case for organic cotton – fiber-textiles-apparel

Product integrity, labeling and certification across the supply chain

Building the bridge - how do you design a successful program

Emerging issues: climate change, water, carbon footprint

Evolving business models for brands & suppliers

Costs, fair pricing & viability

Registration:

Don’t miss the early bird deadline of the 15th June! To register please visit: www.organicexchange.org or go to www.cottonafrica.com/conference

Sponsorship Opportunities:

You can take part in the shaping of the future of the organic fiber industry by joining us as a sponsor: your organization will be given significant visibility at this event. See sponsorship opportunities at www.cottonafrica.com