At its March 27th Board Meeting, the Georgia Cotton Commission Board of Directors approved $656,287 in research for the 2020 crop year and also approved $25,500 in supplemental research for 2019. This money will go to fund eighteen projects that will be conducted by researchers and extension specialists from the University of Georgia and the University of West Georgia. Projects range from funding for the UGA cotton team, to research on resistant weeds, evaluating the economics of conservation production, monitoring water use efficiency, and many more. The goal of this producer-funded research is to help the cotton producer’s bottom line by conducting research that can either raise yields, promote efficiency, or open new markets.
All projects are vetted by both the Commission Board of Directors and State Support Committee, made up of cotton producers from across the state, and the Commission’s research review committee, which is made up of researchers, crop consultants, and local UGA Extension Agriculture/Natural Resource agents.
“Despite the decrease in income for the Georgia Cotton Commission, our board is committed to providing the cotton farmer valuable research that can make a difference on their farms. Now, more than ever, it is important for us to fund research that makes an impact while being an effective steward of the farmer’s money,” said GCC Chairman Bart Davis, a Colquitt County cotton grower.
The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission please call 478-988-4235 or on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.
Source: Georgia Cotton Commission