Moderator Overview: Progress toward Industry Harmonization and Standardization
August 12, 2010 MODERATOR
Manfred Schiefer, President, M. Schiefer Trading Co.
1. Please provide a general description of the subject areas covered in the Sixth Open Session: “Progress toward Industry Harmonization and Standardization.”
The session will review progress since 2003 on acceptance of instrument testing through increased standardization of definitions, calibration cottons, and methods of instrument testing of cotton — as well as review progress since 2005 on harmonization of rules for international trade. Recommendations for improvement and progress toward each goal will be agreed upon. Finally, the panel will explore the feasibility of worldwide standardization of phytosanitary requirements for cotton imports.
2. What are the most important standardization issues facing the cotton industry today? Why is standardization such a powerful movement right now?
The Task Force for Commercial Standardization of Instrument Testing of Cotton (CSITC) has been meeting regularly and is conducting an internationally recognized round test for instrument measurements. CSITC has been closely monitoring the procedures and results from laboratories worldwide. These round tests are one way to use technology to gain standardized methodologies and testing levels internationally. Once we are all on the same level, we should be able to rapidly move forward in a positive manner. However, to facilitate this progression, we need more participation in the CSITC round test from laboratories around the world.
3. How will technology contribute to the industry’s efforts to standardize? Are current technologies up to the challenge, or will new solutions need to be developed?
The technology we currently have in the United States has very much contributed to our efforts to standardize. Current U.S. technology is well up to the challenge to be used worldwide.
4. Given the global nature of cotton, how much do countries’ individual political and cultural influences affect standardization efforts? What can be done to level the playing field for everyone?
It will take the continued efforts of many people to demonstrate the currently unparalleled efficiency of U.S. fiber-testing technology and methodologies to the world cotton industry. New solutions are hardly needed at this time.
5. How will cotton industry professionals benefit from attending this session? What knowledge will they have gained to run their businesses more effectively?
The exchange of information will form the introductory portion of the session, while discussion and debate will form the majority of the session. Industry professionals will be able to contribute to a consensus on the world industry moving forward to enhance transparency and efficiency in trade through increased standardization of practices.
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