NCC: 70 Years of Service

For more than 70 years, the National Cotton Council has strengthened the U.S. cotton industry’s ability to compete effectively and profitably in raw cotton, oilseed and U.S.-manufactured product markets worldwide. The NCC continues its outstanding advocacy and problem-solving activities in 2009 to maintain that competitiveness and protect its members’ income.

A top priority will be to ensure the 2008 farm law is implemented properly ― especially regarding farm program payment limitation and eligibility provisions ― to clarify program rules and minimize adverse impact.

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Industry concerns and recommendations are being relayed to Congress to expedite bringing transparency to the cotton market and limit disruptive speculation unrelated to market fundamentals. Testimony already has been presented this year with a goal of accountability legislation.

The NCC will work to ensure cotton is competitive in the world marketplace. We will work with the Administration to ensure that cotton is not unfairly singled out and that increased market access remains a priority during agriculture negotiations in the World Trade Organization Doha Round negotiations. The NCC also will continue its aggressive communication with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office in pressing for balance between reductions in domestic support and increased market access.

Advocating and facilitating research to lower costs and improve processes and products has been a long-standing NCC tradition. Another important objective is seeking fair and reasonable regulatory policies that allow producers and others in our industry the use of proven technology. Those efforts will range from ensuring a wide range of conventional crop protection products are available to attracting producers to the wealth of information available at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences.

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The Cotton Foundation continues to be a mechanism to help our industry achieve efficiency and profitability. The initiation of “Vision 21” is one example. This new project will thoroughly analyze cotton handling and transportation logistics focusing on improving flow and shipping. Other “Vision 21” goals include critically assessing the fastest growing consumer markets for cotton textiles and conducting important life-cycle studies to strengthen U.S. cotton’s sustainability message.

All of Cotton Council International’s programs and activities are aimed at building profitable export markets for U.S. cotton and cotton products, and 2009 began with initiatives actively involving customers worldwide to build demand for U.S. cotton.

This year will bring more challenges, and the NCC remains the central organization for effectively addressing them. I encourage your continued leadership, involvement and support for the NCC as we implement the policies and programs that will ensure our future success.

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