USDA Unveils 4-Pillar Cotton Plan After Brazil Overtook U.S. in 2023
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 15
USDA Unveils 4-Pillar Cotton Plan After Brazil Overtook U.S. in 2023
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 15
Summary
USDA said its new Great American Cotton Plan will boost domestic use, raise production, expand exports and shield growers from pests and market risks.
The push targets a sector worth $21 billion and more than 125,000 U.S. jobs after Brazil surpassed the United States as the top cotton exporter in 2023.
Trade and manufacturing measures include Indonesia's commitment to buy at least 163,000 metric tons of U.S. cotton annually for 5 years and $16 million a year in support tied to the Pima trust fund through 2031.
USDA also said eligible farmers can add up to 30 million new base acres to ARC and PLC programs for the first time in two decades, while researchers work on controlling the spreading cotton jassid pest.
Arizona, the third-largest U.S. producer of Pima cotton, planted more than 102,000 acres last year and produced over 280,000 bales, underscoring the administration's bid to rebuild U.S. cotton competitiveness.