What is the Bergman/Rivera Project?
Bergman/Rivera is a unique Swedish-Peruvian family-owned company that’s been pioneering the production and promotion of organic cotton textiles in Peru since 1986. They focus on cultivating both white and color-grown cotton, supporting over 160 families across three distinct valleys in Peru. What sets them apart? They were the first in Latin America to earn the Global Organic Textile Standard (G.O.T.S) certification—from the fields right through to the finished garment. This means every step is traceable, fair, and sustainable. It’s not just about making fabrics; it’s about respecting the environment and honoring the people behind every thread.
Main Benefits of the Bergman/Rivera Projects
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes their work so impactful:
- Supporting more than 160 families in three Peruvian valleys
- Managing 413 hectares of certified organic land through partner Ecotton
- Working with over 90 farmers in Southern and Northern Peru for white cotton
- Preserving rare color-grown cotton with 71 farmers in the rainforest
- First Latin American company certified under G.O.T.S, ensuring fair trade and sustainability
- Certified by USDA, European Union, and recognized as a Certified B Corporation with a score of 103.8
- Promoting regenerative agriculture practices that help reverse climate change
The Story Behind Organic Cotton
Conventional cotton farming? It’s one of the world’s most polluting crops, responsible for 16% of all insecticides and 6% of pesticides used globally. Many of these chemicals are downright dangerous, linked to cancer and other health risks. Plus, pests quickly build resistance, pushing farmers to use even more toxic stuff. Organic cotton flips this script. It’s grown on land free from chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and defoliants. No GMOs allowed—Peru even bans GMO seeds, which helps keep contamination at bay. And get this: their cotton is handpicked, which not only reduces environmental impact but also boosts the quality of the yarn and fabrics produced.
The White Cotton Project
Started back in 1986, the White Cotton Project was all about experimenting with different cotton varieties and farming methods to find a better alternative to conventional cotton. Fast forward to today, and it’s the backbone of Bergman/Rivera’s operations. They collaborate with more than 90 farmers across Southern and Northern Peru. The project is managed by Ecotton, a key partner that oversees 413 hectares of certified land in the Chincha and Lambayeque valleys, producing Tanguis and Pima cotton. Looking ahead, they plan to expand by introducing rotation crops like organic maize, which supports local poultry and cattle farming—talk about a sustainable ecosystem!
The Wild Cotton Project
In 1994, the Peruvian government pushed for alternative crops to replace coca leaf plantations in the rainforest. That’s when Bergman/Rivera spotted the naturally colored cotton growing wild in the area—cotton that had been around for centuries but was on the brink of extinction. They worked hard to certify a small group of farmers and promote this unique cotton worldwide. Today, they continue conserving this rare cotton in partnership with INIA (Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria) in Tarapoto, working with 71 farmers and their families. Plus, to boost incomes, they help farmers sell other organic rotation crops like Sacha Inchi and cacao. This cotton has found markets in Japan and Europe, proving that sustainability and business can go hand in hand.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Supporting over 160 farming families with fair trade practices
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Promoting crop rotation with organic maize, Sacha Inchi, and cacao
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Fair treatment and sustainable livelihoods for farmers
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Certified organic cotton and sustainable textile production
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Implementing regenerative agriculture to reverse climate change
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Preserving biodiversity by banning GMOs and protecting wild cotton varieties
Workshop Development and Quality Control
Beyond farming, Bergman/Rivera also supports small Cut, Make, and Trim (CMT) workshops to elevate their processes. These workshops get help organizing production, meeting delivery deadlines, and maintaining G.O.T.S certification standards. Alfredo Guerreros from Inversiones Textiles Trebol shares that working with Bergman/Rivera helped them showcase their capabilities on an international stage. Today, three workshops proudly hold G.O.T.S certification, proving that quality and sustainability can thrive together in textile manufacturing.
