The National Cotton Council (NCC) greatly appreciates Congress’ passage of a supplemental disaster bill 
that includes critically needed policy that restores eligibility for cotton in the Title I Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs of the farm bill. The legislation also includes important agricultural disaster assistance, as well as additional support to dairy producers.
“This measure will provide cotton producers and lenders some certainty as they prepare for the 2018 growing season,” NCC Chairman Ronnie Lee said. “The new policy will help ease the financial burden as producers struggle to cover total costs.”
The Georgia cotton producer said the U.S. cotton industry is very appreciative of the strong leadership of Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Cochran (R-MS) and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Conaway (R-TX) that made it possible to advance this important policy through the House and Senate. He said the industry also is very grateful for the key support of Representatives Aderholt (R-AL), Bishop (D-GA), Peterson (D-MN) and Arrington (R-TX), and Senators Roberts (R-KS), Cornyn (R-TX), Boozman (R-AR), Shelby (R-AL), Leahy (D-VT) and Stabenow (D-MI).
“Our industry is also thankful for the strong support and commitment to this issue by the Cotton Belt Members in the House and Senate, and the recognition by Congressional leadership that this situation had to be addressed,” Lee stated. “These members recognized the need for cotton policy that could stabilize our industry. They are keenly aware of the challenging financial situation that American cotton producers and their families have faced and continue to face.”
Lee said the Council has worked for more than two years to get stabilizing policy in place in advance of the next farm bill.
“And we will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to get a new farm bill enacted that will enable America’s farmers and ranchers to continue producing the abundant and affordable food and fiber our nation and world has come to expect,” he said.