# Behind the scenes and news

Currently there are two topics that interest us.

**1. Cotton problem** \
We have noticed that the demand for cotton dropped sharply a few years ago and that many Thai farmers have replaced cotton plants with longan. During our visit to Thailand in 2022, we learned through conversations with local farmers that the problem is not so much the lack of demand, but problems with the cultivation of the cotton. They told us that for some years now it has become increasingly difficult to grow cotton without using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which they cannot explain themselves. In our opinion, it could be because more and more industrially produced cotton seeds have come onto the market, which can produce a higher yield but do not grow well without the appropriate chemicals. Now many weavers are short of cotton and have to import it. We want to be involved in solving this problem.

During our last visit to Thailand in September and October 2022, we were able to start a cotton project. We sowed cotton seeds together at Glytt's grandmother's house in Chiang Dao. The grandmother really has a green thumb and plants numerous fruits and vegetables in addition to cotton, all of which are thriving vigorously. So we could already admire healthy cotton seedlings. The grandmother's plot is 3.2 hectares. So far, she has leased a large part of it to farmers, but she is happy to make it available to us for cotton planting. The part of the land that she is currently planting herself according to her own permaculture method is not only a paradise for the plants, but also for many animal species. Artificial fertilizers or machines are not used here, which we also want to keep it this way for the cotton plantations. We are excited to see how the cotton will grow in grandmother's permaculture! \
Another thing that we are very excited about is the naturally coloured brown cotton seeds that grandmother will be planting soon. The naturally coloured cotton, also called Inca cotton, comes from Mexico and Peru. It grows in different shades of brown and green.

**2. Community development** \
It is important for us to involve the different groups involved in JAHSANG even more in our activities and to increase the community in general.&#x20;

2.1 Weaves and Spins \
Due to a sad Covid loss, a weaving mill in Chiang Mai lost its manager and stands still. We found out about it this year. Since then we are in the process of developing a new project for these weavers.

2.2 Gardeners

2.3 Artists (NFT)

2.4 Musicians (NFT) \
For our image videos we would like to work more with musicians.

**3. Recycled materials through cooperation with SC Grand and Yothaka**\
The SC GRAND by Yothaka collection is specially designed for home use. Suwan Kongkhunthian from Chiang Mai is the founder of YOTHAKA, a furniture manufacturer that has perfected the use of local craftsmanship in modern furniture design. Yothaka not only exports its products worldwide, but also designs furniture for luxury brands such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton and FENDI, as well as for various 5-star hotels around the world.

If you are interested in YOTHAKA fabrics or furniture, please feel free to contact us.

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