Cotton acreage in the U.S. is at a 30-year-low and prices are at their lowest levels since 2009. Exports continue to decline and gins continue to close due to a decline in production. In an effort to support cotton farmers, the National Cotton Council and members of Congress asked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to designate cottonseed as an “other” oilseed to make it eligible for commodity program benefits under the Farm Bill. Though USDA says the secretary does not have the authority to make the designation, Craig Brown of the Cotton Council believes he does and discusses why it is so important.

Craig Brown

Vice President, Producer Affairs
National Cotton Council