ITMF Spinners Committee Impressed by Australia’s Cotton Industry

The integration of technology and best practices have been the driving forces behind Australia’s cotton comeback in recent years, according to members of the International Textile Manufacturers (ITMF) Spinner Committee. During a visit from April 30 to May 4, 2012, the committee visited the cotton growing area of New South Wales in their annual effort to

• foster an interchange of ideas between breeders, farmers, ginners, traders and spinners,  thus supporting the development of quality cotton fibers based on modern spinning requirements,
• exchange information relating to harvesting, handling, ginning and contracting of cotton, and
• promote the mechanical high-volume instrument (HVI) testing and classing of raw cotton.

ITMF says the committee “impressed by the overall research and development efforts conducted along the entire Australian cotton value chain.” Other significant observations were that “genetically modified cotton has enabled Australian cotton growers to become more productive and efficient, constantly increasing yields per hectare since its introduction in 1996.” The committee was particularly impressed by the considerable investments growers have made in new harvesting technologies, such as round module pickers, to significantly reduce their labor costs.

Overall, the committee determined that the Australian cotton industry’s application of best management practices could serve as an example for cotton growers whose techniques and methods are less advanced. To read the ITMF Spinners Committee Report 2012 in its entirety, please click here.