A Plastics in Cotton webinar to address best practices for growers and cotton ginners is set for May 6, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

"Plastic contamination is one of the greatest problems for cotton producers,” said Jason Ott, AgriLife Extension agent, Nueces County. “It affects every segment of the cotton industry."

The free webinar, hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in Nueces and San Patricio counties, will include a question and answer segment. 

Contamination-related losses to cotton are as great at $200 million per year worldwide, according to a 2015 survey by the International Textile Manufacturers Federation. In 2018, cotton bales classed through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Classing Office in Corpus Christi had the distinction of having the highest percentage of plastic contamination in bales throughout the U.S.

 "This program has been planned to be a comprehensive discussion directed toward cotton producers and ginners, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the problem,” said Bobby McCool, AgriLife Extension agent, San Patricio County. “Industry professionals from across the cotton sector will be giving their perspective and insights on best management practices for producers and ginners, long-term market implications, and other pertinent information regarding plastics in cotton.”

Speakers include:

While there is no cost to participate, those accessing the webinar are asked to preregister on or before May 4. Once preregistered, a link to the seminar will be emailed to the participant the day before the webinar.   

For additional information about the program, call 361-767-5223.

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