There are so many different companies that have to make a profit from start to finish. Lots of middle men. Growers, brokers, manufacturers, distributors, warehouses, fabric designers, fabric reps, and shop owners. I grow a few cotton plants in my back yard. I can pick the bolls and have organic cotton for stuffing small projects. Costs me nothing. I can go buy a small bag of organic cotton and it will cost me $10 or more.