Optimizing Production Systems, Market and Policy Analysis for Cotton and Other Natural Fibers

Purpose:
To develop a “state of the art” multidisciplinary cotton research program for cotton production systems and market and policy analysis for natural fibers. The primary focus of this initiative is to increase profitability and maintain viability of all segments of the U.S. cotton industry in an increasingly competitive and volatile international market. These efforts are aimed at:

• Genetic enhancement.
• Sustainable production and processing systems.
• Improved fiber testing and textile production.
• Production and marketing risk management.
• Production, consumption, price, and policy analysis and forecasting.
• Improved domestic and international market competitiveness.

Relevance:
The Cotton Initiative is a comprehensive program that is critical to continued viability of the U.S. cotton industry that accounts for more than $25 billion in products and services annually, generating over 400,000 jobs in the industry sectors from farm to textile mills. Cotton is the single most important textile fiber in the world, accounting for over 40 percent of the total world fiber production. The United States, while ranking second to China in production, is the leading exporter, accounting for over one-third of global trade in raw cotton. Texas produces about 35% of U.S. cotton and the High Plains of Texas accounts for 69% of Texas total and 24% of U.S. total.

Accomplishments/Impacts:

• Textile Engineering. Developed a new non-woven cotton product that can protect our estimated 7 million first responders (including homeland security personnel, police, and firemen) from hazardous materials.
• Production Systems. Developed an integrated crop/livestock/forage production system that requires 23% less irrigation water over cotton monoculture systems – potentially saving Texas producers an estimated $18M in cash expenses.
• Genetic Enhancement. Identified and tested several cotton lines with salt, drought, and disease tolerant genes that can increase yield. An assumed 10% increase in yield translates to an additional $160M in cash receipts for Texas producers.
• Plant Science. Identified relationships between stages of crop growth and biotic and abiotic stresses that can help improve fiber yield and quality, enhancing competitiveness and marketability of U.S. cotton in the world market.
• Irrigation Technology. Developed guidelines for the most effective application rates of sub-surface drip (SSD) irrigation for different crop development stages and climatic conditions to increase water-use efficiency and conservation.
• Economic Analysis. Estimated that elimination of all domestic support and trade barriers worldwide for cotton would increase cotton prices and thereby increasing the value of U.S. cotton production by $401 million per year.
• Policy Analysis. Formulated economic models to develop medium-term projections for the world cotton market to assist in development of U.S. farm programs.
• International Trade. Found that elimination of China’s Tariff Rate Quota System would increase U.S. exports by $113 million per year.

Lead Agency:
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University

Partners:
Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Texas A&M University

The research done at the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources benefits Texas in numerous ways. Here’s how CASNR is impacting your life in other areas.