January 30, 2007
Contact:
Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030
AUSTIN, TX – Delegates at the National Cotton Council’s 2007 Annual Meeting will develop policies and programs that will help the U.S. cotton industry to compete effectively and profitably in markets at home and abroad.
The 2007 NCC Annual Meeting Feb. 1-5 at the Hilton Austin in Austin, TX, is expected to attract about 900 U.S. cotton leaders and industry stakeholders from across the Cotton Belt.
Delegates will review and adopt specific resolutions for NCC action in six key program areas: farm and economic policy; international trade; public relations and international market development; research and education; packaging and distribution; and health, safety and the environment.
In his address to NCC delegates on February 5, outgoing NCC Chairman Allen Helms will cover the state of the U.S. cotton industry and outline a 2007 plan of action. Joining him on that morning’s program will be Jeffrey Rosensweig, the director of EmoryUniversity’s Global Perspectives Program.
“Delegate-approved resolutions will enable the NCC to focus its resources on the industry’s current priorities,” Helms said. “Among those are ensuring that sound farm policy and international trade commitments are put in place along with fostering research, education and technology transfer to help industry members remain competitive and profitable.”
Among other important convention sessions are Cotton Council International’s Board of Directors and the American Cotton Producers where the NCC’s Planting Intentions Survey will provide the first insights into growers’ plans for the 2007 season and where attendees will hear from newly-appointed USDA Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Mark Keenum.
Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX), a member of the House agriculture and budget committees, will address delegates on Feb. 3rd both during the Joint Session of Delegates and during the National Cotton Ginners Association’s annual membership meeting. Cotton Incorporated President/CEO Berry Worsham also will address the Joint Session. Additional information on the Annual Meeting can be found at http://www.cotton.org/news/meetings/amreg/.
As the unifying force of the U.S. cotton industry, the Memphis-based National Cotton Council brings together industry representatives from the 17 cotton-producing states to establish policies reflecting the common interests and promoting mutual benefits for its broad membership and ancillary industries.