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ABOUT US
Acadian Brown Cotton represents a living link to our region's agricultural heritage. For over 200 years, this unique eco-variety has been cultivated in Acadiana, with seeds carefully hand-selected by early Acadians for their smooth seed coat. Today, we're preserving this legacy while innovating for a sustainable future.
MEET OUR TEAM
Sharon Gordon Donnan
Founder & CEO
Abigail Ransonet
Board Member
Zach McMath
Board Member
Danielle Rich
Fiber Artisan
Rebecca Baker
Artisan and Grower
Clementine Cooper
Team Member
Aleatha Shannon
Artisan and Grower
Meagan Phipps
Team Member
Kallie Johnston Barron
Team Member
Suzanne Chaillot Breaux
Acadian Weaver
Joan Musemeche
Acadian Weaver
MISSION & MANIFESTO
At Acadian Brown Cotton, we stand at the intersection of heritage and innovation, where centuries-old agricultural wisdom meets modern sustainable practices. Our mission weaves together three essential threads:
We are the guardians of an agricultural treasure—the Acadian Brown Cotton heirloom seeds—preserving not just a crop, but the living DNA of our cultural heritage.
We champion a return to regenerative farming, working hand-in-hand with farmers who share our vision of agriculture that nurtures both land and community.
Through their stewardship, we're revitalizing local cotton production in ways that honor both tradition and environmental responsibility. From field to fashion, we're creating a transparent, sustainable supply chain that transforms locally-grown cotton into a cornerstone of Acadiana's textile future.
This vision connects our agricultural heritage to innovative design, supporting a vibrant local economy while promoting environmental stewardship.
"Gumbo is the stomach, music is the heart, and coton jaune is the fabric of Acadiana." - Michael Doucet
ACADIANA FIBERSHED AFFILIATE
As a proud Fibershed Alffiliate, we're part of an international network developing regional fiber systems that build ecosystem and community health. Within our 250-mile radius, we work to:
• Implement climate-benefiting agriculture
• Rebuild regional manufacturing
• Connect end-users to their fiber sources through education
• Create permanent, lasting systems of localized fiber production
-Fibers that are a part of the Acadiana Fibershed: roselle hibiscus, hemp, flax, fiber animals including Angora rabbits, lama, alpaca, sheep and goats.
-Plants or insects used in botanical dying are also included in our FS: indigo, marigold, logwood, madder root, Osage orange, goldenrod, avocado, orange cosmos, annatto seed, and cochineal.
FEATURED INNOVATIONS & COLLABORATIONS
These partnerships represent more than institutional collaborations—they're a testament to the power of community-driven change. Each relationship we forge strengthens our ability to preserve our past while innovating for a sustainable future.
Interested in collaborating? We're always seeking partners who share our vision for a sustainable, local textile economy.
Our grassroots movement has blossomed into a network of transformative partnerships, each writing a new chapter in our story:
Southern University stands with us at the frontier of innovation.
What began as a conversation about sustainable fibers has flourished into a
$600,000 USDA-funded research project,
exploring groundbreaking applications for our cotton in eco-friendly feminine
hygiene products.
This collaboration bridges academic research with practical applications,
while opening doors for the next generation of agricultural innovators.
At the Material Institute, our cotton is being transformed through experimental textile design. Their state-of-the-art knitting machines are turning our locally-grown fiber into prototypes that showcase the potential of sustainable fashion. This partnership demonstrates how traditional materials can meet contemporary design, creating new possibilities for local designers and artisans.
The ULL Cade Farm Research Facility has become the fortress protecting our future, housing 400 pounds of our precious heirloom seeds in their seed bank. This partnership ensures that our agricultural heritage remains secure for generations to come, while providing scientific expertise for seed preservation and improvement.
Our connection with WARP (Weave A Real Peace) has expanded our horizons globally, connecting us with textile communities worldwide. Their support, including a generous $1,000 grant, helps us advance our mission while sharing knowledge and resources with fiber artists and producers across the globe.
The Center for Louisiana Studies helps us document and share our story, ensuring that the rich history of Acadian Brown Cotton continues to inspire and educate. Through their support, we're preserving not just seeds, but the cultural narratives that make our work meaningful.
PARTNERS.
Our Partnerships:
NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, Southern University, Fibershed, WARP, Material Institute, ULL Cade, Center for LA Studies and Sprout NOLA
Collaborate with us!
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