# Cooperation Is Unique Among Competitors

Author: Jim.Robinson
Published: 2009-02-05
Canonical URL: https://www.cottongrower.com/cotton-news/cooperation-is-unique-among-competitors/

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A defining aspect of the cotton industry – and U.S. agribusiness in general – is the ability for competitors to unite under the banner of common good.

Last month, I attended an event that is the perfect example of unity and camaraderie among competitors who understand the benefit of putting their individual business needs aside and coming together to benefit the entire industry. Each year the Southern Crop Production Association takes a trip to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to discuss current issues and pending legislation with senators and representatives from the Sunbelt.

SCPA representatives from chemical, fertilizer and seed companies joined together to address issues that impact their industry, informing Washington decision-makers on the importance of production agriculture to our local economies and the security of our nation’s food supply. There seemed to be a heightened awareness of agricultural issues in Washington, as the Farm Bill and food prices garnered recent media attention.

Because people in the agriculture industry deal with many of these issues daily, we sometimes assume that everyone has our unique perspective. But many views have been distorted by the mainstream media. For example, we understand that monitored, properly used pesticides increase yields, allowing U.S. farmers to grow more fiber and food on less land. Efficiency and good stewardship are attained through technology, and this benefits the environment by preserving land and natural habitat.

You won’t read these perspectives in the *New York Times*, so it is even more important that our industry representatives make this annual trip to Capitol Hill to provide our country’s leaders with this information. It is only through industry cooperation and a unified voice that we will protect the future of agribusiness and agriculture for generations.

Captions:

Louis Rodrigue, Helena Chemical Co.; Bud Hughes, Verdant Partners; LaTonya Miller and Morgan Petty with Sen. Lamar Alexander’s office (R-TN); Gerald Simmons, FMC Corp.; and Kevin Stewart, Gowan Co.

Louis Rodrigue, Helena Chemical Co.; Bud Hughes, Verdant Partners; Rep. Marion Berry (D-AK); and Kevin Stewart, Gowan Co.

Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN); and Gerald Simmons, FMC Corp.

Col. Ed Duskin (Ret.), SCPA Executive Vice President; and Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA)