Farm policy and key environmental issues were the focus of the joint meeting in Nashville, Tenn., of the American Cotton Producers, chaired by Clyde Sharp, an Arizona producer, and the Cotton Foundation, chaired by Sledge Taylor, a Mississippi producer/ginner.

NCC Chairman Chuck Coley provided a report that included an update on the Peru Countervailing Duties investigation. He also asked for flexibility and unity throughout the current farm bill debate. NCC staff provided a thorough review of the farm bill debate status and the provisions of the Senate-passed and House Agriculture Committee-passed versions of the ’12 farm bill. Producers discussed possible cotton program transition options that may be necessary if STAX is not available for the ’13 crop.

A panel of EPA and crop protection company representatives, along with NCC staff, provided a detailed overview of the issues surrounding pollinator protection and its impact on product registrations. This issue has risen to be one of the most critical environmental issues for registrants and the EPA. NCC staff provided updates on spill prevention control and counter measures and the NCC-conducted Field Print Calculator pilot projects. They also reviewed recent discussions with Brazilian government and industry officials, US government, and Congress with regard to the World Trade Organization case.

ACP members relayed topics for consideration by the planning committee for the ’13 Beltwide Cotton Production Conference. Producers also discussed National Cotton Ginners Assoc. recommendations on module averaging and longer producer gin runs.