![HG_Final_logo homegrown logo](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/HG_Final_logo-1024x444.png)
![1](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1.png)
Farm the Cotton
The cotton is grown and picked. After harvesting, the seed-cotton modules are transported to a nearby cotton gin.
![2](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2.png)
Gin the Cotton
Once the cotton arrives at the gin, seeds (and other impurities) are separated from the cotton fiber.
![3](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/3-1.png)
Tag/Spray with SigNature® T
At the end of this process, SigNature® T DNA, a custom molecular tag, is applied through a fine misting process. This tag attaches to the fiber at a cotton-to-marker ratio of 1:1 billion. The tenacity of the tag ensures a reliable, secure tracking system throughout the entire manufacturing process, beginning in the U.S., and through the spinning, weaving and sewing stage overseas.
![4](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/4.png)
Bale Cotton
Harvested, ginned and tagged, the cotton is then compacted into 500-
pound bales that are barcoded and tracked by HomeGrown to prevent product tampering.
![5](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5.png)
Test Fiber
The first check of the cotton fibers happens at the gin. HomeGrown submits the bales for testing, looking for the unique SigNature® T DNA tag. The merchant then receives the bales from the ginner together with test results, the bale ID numbers, and USDA grading certification.
![6](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/6.png)
Export
The bales of HomeGrown cotton start their journey overseas for the next stage of product manufacturing.
![7](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/7.png)
Spin into Yarn
Spinners receive and separately store the HomeGrown bales and then spin the raw cotton fibers into yarn on dedicated lines.
![8](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/8.png)
Test Yarn
After spinning fiber into yarn, HomeGrown once again tests the yarns for the SigNature T tag, to ensure that no cotton blending has taken place. These tests are done before the yarns are permitted to move to the weavers.
![9](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/9.png)
Weave or Knit into Fabric
The HomeGrown cotton yarns finally take shape as they are woven or knitted into fabric to be used in various textile or apparel products.
![10](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/10.png)
Test Fabric
Guaranteeing purity, the freshly woven fabric is once again tested by HomeGrown for the SigNature T tag to verify that the fabrics contain only tagged HomeGrown cotton.
![11](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/11.png)
Cut & Sew into Linen/Clothes
After passing the purity test, the HomeGrown cotton fabric is then cut and sewn into finished home textile or apparel products.
![12](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/12.png)
Test Finished Product
HomeGrown does a final test of the finished products prior to the product being shipped back to the United States. Specifically, HomeGrown looks for the SigNature T DNA tags that have remained detectable, even after many complex manufacturing processes.
![13](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/13-1.png)
Import
Having passed the final purity test, the finished HomeGrown cotton products are shipped and tracked with a pedigree document back to the United States.
![14](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14.png)
Retail
The finished goods, labeled with the HomeGrown trademark, arrive at retail where consumers, driven by a desire for a quality and purity, can be assured of the integrity of their purchase.
![15](https://adnas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/15-1-300x114.png)