Cotton Board Approves $80 Million in Research and Promotion Budget

By Jim.Robinson|August 13, 2013

During its Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY, The Cotton Board reviewed and voted to recommend Cotton Incorporated’s proposed 2014 budget of $80 million to the Secretary of Agriculture. The budget and plan, along with The Cotton Board’s recommendation, will be forwarded to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for final approval.

The Cotton Board elected Gary Ross as its Chairman for 2013/2014. Ross, an importer from Yardley, PA, commented on his election, saying, “From the turn row to the turn style, from the heartland of America to the retail malls in our cities, cotton is the fiber that binds producers and importers together. We need strong, profitable producers who patronize our retail establishments and importing companies who deliver what consumers want – cotton. It is the circle of life for our industry.” Ross is the vice president of global fashion and home supply chain for the New York-based company Avon Products, Inc.

The full slate of new Cotton Board officers is as follows: Gary Ross, Importer from Yardley, PA, Chairman; David Grant, Producer from Garysburg, NC, Vice-Chair; Aaron Barcellos, Producer from Los Banos, CA, Secretary; Janet Ydavoy, Importer from Feasterville, PA, Treasurer.

The Cotton Board voted to recommend to the Secretary of Agriculture approval of a proposed $80 million budget for the 2014 Cotton Research and Promotion Program, developed for and to be carried out by Cotton Incorporated. The proposed budget represents a 3.6% decrease from their 2013 funding level. The budget and plan for 2014 proactively positions Cotton Incorporated to respond to cotton’s recent loss of market share both in the U.S. and globally, as well as continue research and education programs related to sustainability. The 2014 budget and plan will also continue to advance new and existing technologies and allows Cotton Incorporated to examine opportunities for cost reduction both on the farm and in terms of mill processing.

Cotton Incorporated’s proposed budget reflects many of the recommendations developed in March by The Cotton Board. “Our thoughtful planning, our stewardship and a unified front are qualities we must maintain to help insure a thriving U.S. cotton industry for our future,” said Chairman Ross.