By Clint Thompson
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) reminds producers that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will convene a caucus of certified producer organizations representing Georgia cotton growers in July to nominate individuals to serve as members and alternates of the Cotton Board.
Taylor Sills, executive director of the GCC, says his organization is seeking nominees for vacant positions.
“The Cotton Board is the group that administers the cotton research and promotion program on behalf of cotton producers and cotton importers of the United States. They collect and administer the program. Cotton Incorporated executes that program. We’ve had a great line of success of members of the Cotton Board of Georgia who have gone on in leadership including, right now, Jimmy Webb. He’s from Calhoun County and serves as chairman of that organization,” Sills said. “They have some governing attachment from USDA. It’s actually the Secretary of Agriculture who makes those appointments based on nominations from the certified producer organizations. In July there will be a caucus where the different organizations will come forward and make nominations. The USDA has several policies they’d like to see enacted as it relates to representation in the Cotton Board. We’re here to help them realize that goal as their partners here in the state and in the field.
“Any producers who are interested in getting more involved and putting their names forward should reach out to us via our email here at the commission office; info@georgiacotton.org. We’d be happy to take their information and make sure it gets to where it needs to go.”
Current board members’ terms expire on Dec. 31. Open positions will offer three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2023
Georgia Cotton Commission Background
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 search on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.