NCC, ABRAPA Teaming Up to Address Cotton Promotion
May 24, 2012 Given the recent history of relations between the United States and Brazil regarding cotton, it might seem like the two countries would make unlikely allies. Different perspectives, disagreements over subsidies and a trade dispute at the World Trade Organization are just a few of the thornier issues between the two cotton-producing powerhouses.
But while their views might differ on some issues, one thing both countries agree on is that cotton is under threat – by synthetic fibers, market volatility and weak demand at the retail level – and they need to do something about it. That effort is being led by the National Cotton Council of America (NCC) and the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (ABRAPA), which issued the following statement on May 23 (posted on both the NCC and ABRAPA Web sites):
Cotton industry leaders from Brazil and the United States met in Atlanta, Georgia, to discuss issues of mutual concern and to search for avenues of greater cooperation. Sergio De Marco, President of ABRAPA, Brazil’s national cotton producer organization, led a delegation of Brazilian cotton leaders. Chuck Coley, Chairman of the National Cotton Council, led the U.S. delegation.
The meeting focused on risk management, cotton’s sustainability and international promotion. Every cotton producer has been impacted by the extraordinary price volatility exhibited by the cotton futures market since early 2008. Price volatility disrupts orderly market activities and creates costly uncertainty that market participants must address.
Cotton is being challenged in the retail market to demonstrate its sustainability. The Brazilian and U.S. cotton industries have individually taken steps to address these concerns. It was recognized that collaborative actions would produce greater recognition of cotton’s contribution to environmental improvement.
Cotton’s share of the world fiber market has been eroded as synthetic fibers have gained ground. Promotion programs acquainting the world’s consumers to the benefits of the cotton apparel and textiles are vital to securing cotton’s future. Brazil and U.S. cotton industries are strong supporters of promotion programs. They will explore opportunities to jointly enhance consumer awareness.
Click here to visit the NCC and ABRAPA Web sites.
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