Special to The Beacon PERRY, Ga. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced “The Great American Cotton Plan”, an initiative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote the cotton industry.
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) applauds Secretary Rollins’ Friday, May 29 announcement and is appreciative of the support shown to cotton producers across the country.
“The Great American Cotton Plan” includes several points of action which will be taken to increase demand and prevent risk. To increase the demand for cotton, “The Great American Cotton Plan” is promoting the National Cotton Council’s “Plant Not Plastic” campaign, an initiative to raise awareness about microplastics and other health concerns relating to synthetic fibers.
The USDA initiative is supporting legislation such as the “Buying American Cotton Act”, a tax credit incentive for brands and retailers who use American cotton, yarn, and fabric in their products, to promote domestic consumption.
“The Great American Cotton Plan” is also aiming to protect producers from risk, specifically the cotton jassid, through research efforts of the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The findings of this research will be vital to understanding this pest and will support ongoing research led by Dr. Phillip Roberts at the University of Georgia.
“Cotton producers across the state are thankful for Secretary Rollins’ efforts to bolster cotton production and the overall industry,” said GCC Chairman Bart Davis, a Colquitt County cotton producer. “Enhancing ongoing industry collaborations related to cotton jassid research as well as promoting domestic consumption of cotton by highlighting the industry's ‘Plant Not Plastic’ initiative and championing the ‘Buying American Cotton Act’ gives cotton producers a large spotlight at a crucial time.”
More highlights of the actions USDA is taking to support the cotton industry include: 1. Promoting Domestic Cotton Consumption.
2. Providing Affordable Cotton by Increasing Domestic Demand and Production.
3. Improving Cotton Trade.
4. Protecting cotton growers from adverse risk.
The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer- funded organization located in Perry. The Commission began in 1965.
