US Department of Agriculture launches Great American Cotton Plan
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
WASHINGTON (KBSI) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched the “Great American Cotton Plan,” a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening the cotton industry, supporting struggling farmers and rebuilding domestic textile manufacturing. The plan comes as cotton producers across the country continue facing financial losses, rising production costs and increased competition from synthetic materials and foreign imports.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the initiative Thursday, May 28, calling it part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to restore profitability for American cotton growers and invest in rural economies.
According to the USDA, cotton farmers are expected to face a fifth consecutive year of negative returns. Federal officials estimate producers could lose roughly $2.6 billion across 9 million planted acres during the upcoming crop year. The agency said many growers are dealing with lower market prices while still paying higher costs for fuel, fertilizer, labor and equipment.
Officials say the plan is designed to address several long-term concerns within the industry, including the decline of U.S. textile manufacturing and the growing use of synthetic fibers in clothing and household products. USDA leaders say increasing demand for American-grown cotton could help support farmers, textile mills and manufacturing jobs throughout the supply chain.
The USDA says cotton remains one of the nation’s most economically significant crops, estimating every $1 generated at the cotton farm level creates approximately $15 in economic activity across related industries. Officials say the industry supports jobs tied to farming, transportation, manufacturing and retail across multiple states.
As part of the initiative, the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services are expanding the “Plant Not Plastic” campaign, encouraging consumers to buy products made with natural cotton fibers instead of synthetic materials. Officials say the campaign also aims to raise awareness about environmental concerns tied to synthetic fibers and plastic-based textiles.
The “Great American Cotton Plan” focuses on four major priorities:
* Increasing domestic cotton consumption
* Expanding domestic textile manufacturing and production capacity
* Improving trade opportunities for American cotton growers
* Protecting producers from financial and agricultural risks
Federal officials say the initiative will also support increased marketing loan rates for cotton producers, expanded crop insurance tools, export assistance programs and additional resources for textile mills and manufacturers using American-grown cotton products.
USDA leaders say the effort is intended to help stabilize the cotton industry while creating long-term economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities nationwide.
MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE: www.USDA.gov
