Brazil's Mato Grosso is - promising cotton zone

摘要

The state of Mato Grosso, Brazil has my vote for most promising "new" cotton zone in our immediate future, proving that agriculture can re-invent itself when market, technology and demand signals -- all converge. Re-orienting Brazil to cotton, sincethe 1990s a net importer, was the concept earlier this year when I had the privilege to attend a "Dia de Campo". This "farm day" exhibition was put on in the heart of Brazil's new midwest cotton belt. Mato Grosso, located over 1000 kms. as the crow fliesin the interior of Brazil, tums out to be ideal for cotton production, but convincing farmers, ginners, equipment dealers, etc. to relocate and re-allocate precious resources remains a daunting and ongoing task.