Georgia Cotton Producers Vote on Continuation of Assessment for Market Order through March 16

The Georgia Department of Agriculture says that cotton farmers have the opportunity to vote on renewing the $1 bale assessment which funds the Georgia Cotton Commission through March 16, 2022.

Growers should receive a ballot in the mail, and they must sign the back of the ballot envelope for the ballot to be valid when returning. Ballots must be mailed by March 16, 2022.

The Commission is charged with providing programs of research, promotion and education on behalf of Georgia cotton producers. Throughout the 50 plus year history of the Georgia Cotton Commission, millions of dollars have been invested to enhance their industry.

Many of the funds received by the Commission are committed to research projects conducted by the University of Georgia regarding issues related to cotton production to provide producers with the latest information and techniques to keep their operations profitable. Some of the projects funded include work on: Palmer amaranth pigweed, insect control, nematode control programs, product comparisons, fertility studies and varietal trials.

The 2021 University of Georgia Farm Gate Value Report outlined Georgia’s cotton crop was valued at $934 million and is currently the second highest grossing agricultural commodity in the state. In addition to its monetary merit, it is also a significant contributor to the economy of the communities where cotton is grown in Georgia.

If a grower does not receive a ballot, please contact the Georgia Cotton Commission at (478) 988-4235, or the Georgia Department of Agriculture at (404) 586-1405.