Cotton's Agenda

Because herbicide resistance is undermining efficient U.S. cotton production, the National Cotton Council continues to urge its producer members to be proactive and creative in dealing with this serious threat. How is the NCC helping? Foremost, the NCC is strongly encouraging its producer members to actively manage herbicide resistance, which is defined as the evolved capacity of a susceptible weed population to withstand a herbicide

The new farm bill repeals the direct and counter-cyclical programs and authorizes a new revenue insurance product that can be purchased in addition to a producer’s existing coverage. However, enactment of the new law came too late for USDA and the private sector to offer the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) until 2015. Then, it will be available for purchase on all acres planted to upland cotton. As with existing insurance products, STAX

Since 2011, the Chinese government has purchased and stored almost 75 million bales of its production at a price well above world market prices. To meet its textile mills’ demand, about 20 million bales of that cotton have been sold, but as of early 2014, more than 50 million bales still resided in government storage.China’s stocks policy has been a recent boost for U.S. cotton farmers because its textile industry looked increasingly to the world market

Honey bee health decline threatens the world’s agricultural enterprise and ecosystems, which rely on bees for pollination. Among several factors contributing to bee colony losses is the parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, which was first detected in the United States in 1987. Researchers have agreed that this parasite remains the single most detrimental pest of honey bees and is closely associated with overwintering colony declines

The U.S. and Australian cotton industries jointly agreed to escalate their commitment to improved production and sustainability. These countries, which account for roughly 17 percent of global cotton production, already had demonstrated leadership in resource efficiency, including water/land use, pest management, soil conservation, energy/greenhouse gas reduction and bale traceability. COTTON LEADS was created to ensure

For several years, the National Cotton Council has been engaged in activities involving honeybee health decline. Although pesticides are but one of multiple contributing factors that scientists have identified for this decline, these plant protection products are receiving unjustified...

By Mark Lange NCC President/CEO For 45 years, the biennial COTTON USA Orientation Tour has been extremely valuable in helping Cotton Council International (the National Cotton Council’s international division) in its mission of keeping the global pipeline filled with U.S. raw...

By Mark Lange NCC President/CEO The National Cotton Council remains fully engaged in ever evolving regulations that can challenge producers’ ability to compete in the world marketplace. What about environmental issues? The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is the pit bull of environmental laws....

By Mark Lange NCC President/CEO The National Cotton Council continues to press for lint contamination prevention, with the understanding that it is imperative for our industry to maintain its global reputation as a quality fiber supplier. What are primary contamination sources? Old and...

By Mark Lange NCC President/CEO The National Cotton Council continues to press for lint contamination prevention, with the understanding that it is imperative for our industry to maintain its global reputation as a quality fiber supplier. What are primary contamination sources? Old and...

By Mark Lange NCC President/CEO The Policy Education Program (PEP) is now in its 15th year of giving U.S. cotton producers the opportunity to learn more about the National Cotton Council. How is the PEP carried out? The NCC’s Member Services plays a...

By Mark Lange NCC President/CEO For a quarter of a century, the National Cotton Council’s Producer Information Exchange (P.I.E.) program has provided its U.S. cotton producer participants a unique way to benefit from new technology and innovative farming methods. How is the...

BY MARK LANGE NCC PRESIDENT/CEO While new challenges undoubtedly will arise in 2013, there are several ongoing issues threatening U.S. cotton’s viability that also will require considerable attention from the National Cotton Council. What about farm bill passage? Last year we were active...

By Mark Lange NCC President/CEO Because U.S. cotton has become such a highly export-dependent industry, the Sourcing USA Summit’s importance has grown significantly since its initiation more than a decade ago. What is the Summit’s purpose? Since 1999, Cotton Council International, the National...

By Mark Lange NCC President/CEO The National Cotton Council continues its reliance on strong industry leaders to help it manage industry issues, including ensuring that cotton’s interests are considered in our nation’s capital. How is the National Cotton Council ensuring leadership continuity? Over...