The National Cotton Council applauds Congress’ passage of a supplemental disaster bill that includes critically needed policy that would restore eligibility for cotton in the Title I ARC/PLC programs of the farm bill. The legislation also includes important agricultural disaster assistance, as well as additional support to dairy producers.

“This measure would provide cotton producers and lenders some certainty as they prepare for the 2018 growing season,” says NCC Chairman and Georgia cotton producer Ronnie Lee. “The new policy would help ease the financial burden as producers struggle to cover total costs.”

The Georgia cotton producer also mentioned the U.S. cotton industry is very appreciative of the strong leadership of Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Cochran (R-MS) and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Conaway (R-TX) that made it possible to advance this important policy through the House and Senate. “We are very grateful for the key support of Representatives Aderholt (R-AL), Bishop (D-GA), Peterson (D-MN), and Arrington (R-TX) and Senators Roberts (R-KS), Cornyn (R-TX), Boozman (R-AR), Shelby (R-AL), Leahy (D-VT), and Stabenow (D-MI),” says Lee.

Long-term commitment and support was given to this issue by the cotton belt Members in the House and Senate. “These Members recognized the need for cotton policy that would stabilize our industry. They are keenly aware of the challenging financial situation that American cotton producers and their families have faced and continue to face,” says Lee

The Council has worked for more than two years to get stabilizing policy in place in advance of the next farm bill. “We will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to get a new farm bill enacted that will enable America’s farmers and ranchers to continue producing the abundant and affordable food and fiber our nation and world has come to expect,” concludes Lee.

“We are working to get information to cotton producers since this will take effect in 2018, and we will work diligently with the USDA on implementation,” says Gary Adams, president & CEO, National Cotton Council.