From the Cotton Board:
(MEMPHIS, TN) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for candidates to serve on The Cotton Board. A large class of nominees are needed to fill 17 member and 17 alternate positions for vacancies representing cotton producers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, as well as importers.
“Serving on the Cotton Board gives growers an opportunity to represent their respective state in a leadership position and be a voice that provides valuable insight to help shape the activities of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program,” says Aaron Barcellos, California cotton producer and current Chairman of The Cotton Board. “As stakeholders in the Program, cotton producers are encouraged to bring their ideas, energy and love for the cotton industry to The Cotton Board,” said Barcellos.
Certified Producer Organizations (CPOs) and Certified Importer Organizations (CIOs) will caucus to nominate two qualified persons for their respective states for each member and alternate member position that is open for 2017. From those nominations, the Secretary of Agriculture makes the final selection of members and alternates.
“This is our industry and our program. It is up to us, as cotton producers, to serve as leaders and bring our ideas to the table. I have never served with a group that is more innovative or more committed to helping cotton than the members of The Cotton Board. I have learned from them, and I hope they have learned from me. We have a lot more to accomplish. I have faith in this industry and the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. I encourage the next generation of leaders to get active in their local certified organizations and help lead our future,” stated George LaCour, Secretary of The Cotton Board and a Louisiana producer.
Nominating CPOs for this caucus season for Alabama, Florida and Georgia include:
Alabama: Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Inc., Alabama Farmers Federation, Southern Cotton Growers, Inc., and Staplcotn.
Florida: Florida Farm Bureau, Southern Cotton Growers, Inc., and Staplcotn.
Georgia: Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Farm Bureau, Southern Cotton Growers, Inc., and Staplcotn.
Nominations are accepted by CPOs up until the date/time of the caucus. Each certified cotton producer organization within the state and/or certified importer organization is invited to send one representative to the caucus. The full caucus schedule is below:
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina & Virginia
Sunday, July 31
Alabama – 1:00 P.M.
Florida – 1:30 P.M.
Georgia – 2:00 P.M.
South Carolina – 2:30 P.M.
Virginia – 3:00 P.M.
Southern Southeastern Meeting – Ritz Carlton
4750 Amelia Island Parkway
Amelia Island, FL 32034