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Transforming the Textile and Agriculture Industries Through Market-Driven Solutions Where Organic and Regenerative Fibers Redefine the Fabric of Our World
Proven Leadership: 30+ Years of Making a Difference
*Image of: Pepper family picture. Talin, Terry, La Rhea and Lee Pepper, Summer, 1996
La Rhea Pepper is a fifth-generation organic cotton farmer and the co-founder and former CEO of Textile Exchange. She has devoted her life’s work to guiding agriculture and textiles away from extraction and toward preferred, organic, and regenerative fibers. Bridging fields and boardrooms, she partners with farmers and brands to catalyze action and embed practices that deliver real, measurable benefit across the apparel and textile sector.
Grounded in the belief that education and thoughtful strategy are levers for lasting change, she advances resilient farming, sparks innovation, and helps secure a brighter future for families, communities, and the planet. In her leadership, the industry’s compass points to regeneration, soil to shelf, seed to seam.
Continuing the Shared Vision
Starting as a co-Founder of Organic Exchange alongside a few visionaries wanting to make a difference in their communities, to co-developing the present Climate+ strategy of Textile Exchange, La Rhea has been instrumental in laying the foundation for a regenerative future. Progress is being made; however, accelerated action will be the only way we are able to address critical issues before it is too late!!!
Now is the time to take bold action to ensure farms are a safe place for families to live and play, and to ultimately secure the future for our children and for generations to come. Contact me to discuss how you can be part of the solution.
The Next Chapter Continues:
Focusing on Regenerative and Organic Agriculture
As co-founder and former CEO of Textile Exchange for over two decades, I’ve had the privilege of building connected communities that have helped shape a more responsible fashion and textile industry—starting at the source: farms, ranches, and forests. These are the origins of the fibers and materials we live, wear, and work in every day.
In this current chapter of my journey, the path is clearer than ever: transforming agriculture must remain a priority. That’s why my focus is now centered on land-based fibers—advancing regenerative and organic production systems and empowering farmers, especially women, every step of the way.
Because true transformation only happens when we prioritize both people and the planet.
Recently, I served as Interim CEO of the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA), where I helped usher in a new era of leadership with the appointment of Christopher Gergen as CEO in March 2025. I continue to support ROA through the launch of the ROA Fiber & Materials Working Group, aimed at scaling Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) fibers and materials, and advancing the Journey to ROC™.
I’m also honored to continue my role as Board Chair at CottonConnect, an incredible team leading transformative work in the agricultural sector. Their commitment to transitioning cotton production to regenerative and organic practices is already delivering measurable benefits, from soil health and water stewardship to climate resilience and community empowerment, particularly through programs supporting women. Don’t miss their latest impact reports! (Links)
In 2024, I also joined Fashion Makes Change as a Senior Advisor to help grow and scale its initiatives—especially those empowering women in the fashion and textile supply chain, and those accelerating regenerative and organic solutions. There’s so much more to come… stay tuned!
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Book a Conversation Today
Ready to bring your regenerative and organic agricultural dreams to life?
Book a consultation with me today, and let’s discuss how we can work together to achieve your goals. Have questions or need more information? Don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help and look forward to hearing from you.
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