U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) on May 28 hosted the launch of the Great American Cotton Plan, a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiative to bolster the cotton farm economy, help restore domestic textile manufacturing, expand cotton trade, and spur demand for products made with American-grown cotton.
The event also highlighted the role Arizona agriculture plays in supporting the nation’s economy, supply chains, and rural communities, according to the congressman.
“Arizona’s farmers and producers are the backbone of our economy and an essential part of our nation’s food and supply chain security,” Rep. Ciscomani said. “The Great American Cotton Plan is an important step toward supporting domestic cotton production, strengthening rural economies, and ensuring American producers can continue competing on a level playing field.”
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler also attended the event at Post Farms in Marana, Ariz., where they joined local farmers, producers, and agricultural leaders to unveil the plan.
“The Trump administration is committed to ensuring American cotton once again becomes the fiber of choice with the Great American Cotton Plan — a bold effort to restore profitability for cotton producers, strengthen rural economies, rebuild domestic textile manufacturing, and bring American cotton back into the products families use every day,” said Rollins.
According to the USDA, announcement of the plan comes as cotton producers face a fifth consecutive year of negative returns driven by rising input costs, trade distortions, and increasing competition from synthetic materials.
During the event, Rep. Ciscomani joined Rollins, Loeffler, and local participants for a roundtable discussion about such challenges facing agricultural producers, the importance of supporting American-grown products, and opportunities to strengthen rural economies throughout Arizona and across the country, according to the congressman’s staff.
Approximately 30 national cotton industry leaders, statewide agriculture stakeholders, and local elected officials also attended the event in support of agriculture, which remains a major economic driver in southern Arizona supporting jobs, local businesses, and communities throughout Rep. Ciscomani’s Sixth Congressional District.
“As Arizona’s only member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue fighting to ensure our agricultural communities have the tools and support they need to thrive,” he said.