Bremen Cotton Conference 2010
June 30, 2010 Nearly 500 cotton-industry professionals from 41 countries gathered in Bremen, Germany, in March to participate in the 30th Bremen Cotton Conference. Held at the 600-year-old Bremen Town Hall, an important example of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the gathering reflected cotton’s storied history, while exploring current trends and future possibilities for the ancient fiber.
During the proceedings Keshav Kranthi, of India’s Central Institute for Cotton Research, was presented with the first ICAC Cotton Researcher of the Year award. He spoke of “exciting dreams and efforts to shape the future of cotton,” including new methods to manage pest pressures, which he likened to “a game of chess with insects.” Karanthi described efforts to develop salt- and drought-resistant cotton, and engineered varieties with the genetic traits of spider silk, “which is five times stronger than steel.”
Other highlights of the conference included presentations on risk management, environmental sustainability, new uses of cotton, cotton testing and harmonization, organic cotton, regional reports on production, and cotton processing technologies.
Organized by the Bremen Cotton Exchange and the Bremen Fiber Institute, the event also offered ample opportunity for far-flung friends and new acquaintances to socialize, including a lavish dinner at the Bremen Ratskeller, established in 1405 in the cellar of Town Hall.
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Bremen’s Market Square and Town Hall
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Posting guard at Bremen’s Town Hall
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Dhiren Sheth, Cotton Association of India president, shares insights on the state of the Indian industry
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Elke Hortmeyer, Bremen Cotton Exchange head of communications, can’t contain her joy at the success of the Conference
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Egyptian pals catch up, l-to-r, Shafik Gomaa, Salah Ibrahim Shawer, Wagdy Hendy
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At the Presiden’ts dinner, the Brazilians’ perspective, l-to-r, Andrew Macdonald, Haroldo Rodrigues da Cunha, Joao Luiz Ribas Pessa
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President’s dinner, l-to-r, Keshav R. Kranthi, Suresh Kotak, Matthias Knappe
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Evening festivities at the Breman Ratskeller
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Folklore’s famous Town Musicians of Bremen, outside the Town Hall
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Conference speakers report on regional developments
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