Identity Programs Provide Options for Sustainability

摘要

It's no secret that cotton demand has taken a beating over the past three years. The decline stems from sluggish global economic growth — which affects all fibers — as well as the lingering negative market share impacts of$2 plus cotton in early 2010. Another factor is the supply chain's push for sustainable fibers, which, unfortunately, often hurts cotton due to misinformation, or failure to recognize positive changes that have taken place on the farm, both in the U.S. and around the world. Globally, cotton's loss in market share has cost us about 12 million bales in potential demand annually over the past three years. This in turn adversely affects cotton prices, reduces plantings, and ultimately lowers the exports ofU.S. cotton.