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The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives today applauded the Trump Administration’s Great American Cotton plan, a sweeping package of executive actions and legislative priorities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture designed to strengthen American cotton production, boost domestic and global demand, and protect cotton farmers from risk.
“Today’s announcement is a major win for cotton farmers and the farmer co-ops that serve them,” said Kevin Brinkley, chairman of NCFC and president and CEO of Plains Cotton Cooperative Association. “In particular, the support for the Buy American Cotton Act and the Plant Not Plastic initiative will have a tremendous, positive impact for producers. We thank Secretary Brooke Rollins and the Trump Administration for their commitment to American cotton and to the farmers who grow it.”
NCFC also expressed support for the Administration’s backing of the Buying American Cotton Act, a bipartisan bill that would incentivize retailers to carry more products made from U.S. cotton.
The announcement comes as cotton producers face a fifth consecutive year of negative returns driven by rising input costs, trade distortions, and increasing competition from synthetic materials. As part of the plan, USDA will elevate the “Plant Not Plastic” initiative to encourage consumers to purchase products made with healthy natural American cotton fibers rather than synthetic plastic-based alternatives.
Cotton remains one of the most economically significant crops in the United States, supporting producers and rural communities. USDA estimates every $1 generated at the cotton farm gate creates approximately $15 in direct economic activity across related industries.
Sources: USDA, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
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