The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks nominations of domestic cotton producers from Arizona, Georgia and Texas and importers of cotton and cotton-containing products for positions on The Cotton Board. The producers and importers will fill positions for seven members and seven alternates. USDA will appoint members and alternates to serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2027.
Certified producer organizations (CPOs) and certified importer organizations (CIOs) will hold caucuses to nominate two qualified persons for each open position in their respective industry segment.
Producer caucuses are scheduled as follows and all times are local times:
• Arizona: Thursday, June 27 at 10 a.m.
• Georgia: Monday, July 15 at 3 p.m.
• Texas: Thursday, July 25 at 11 a.m.
An importers caucus is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9 at 10 a.m.
Bill Gillon, President & CEO of The Cotton Board, emphasized the organization’s commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion in nominations and appointments. “Regardless of farm size, age, race, ethnicity, sex, disability, socio-economic status, religion, or sexual orientation, all qualified individuals are encouraged to participate. Further, we strongly encourage certified organizations to keep in mind the benefits that diverse membership and leadership will bring to the Cotton Research & Promotion Program, when considering individuals for nomination to The Cotton Board,” said Gillon.
For nominating and caucus information, including organizations seeking certification and a list of CPOs and CIOs, contact AMS’ Cotton Research and Promotion staff at (540) 361-2726 or CottonRP@usda.gov.
