In addition, the Georgia Cotton Commission advances the interest of the cotton producers by supporting programs of the National Cotton Council (NCC) and Southern Cotton Growers Association. In fact, more than half of the Commission's budget supports these organizations, and it is by virtue of this support, that all cotton growers are members of each.

The National Cotton Council (NCC) is a central organization and represents all seven segments of the United States cotton industry: producers, ginners, warehousers, merchants, cooperatives and manufacturers. The NCC acts to promote and increase profitability of the cotton industry in worldwide fiber and cottonseed markets through their international arm, Cotton Council International. Further, the NCC works toward creating favorable legislative and regulatory policies. The Southern Cotton Growers Association, Inc. provides representation at the regional level and serves as the policy-formulating group for the southeastern cotton producing states.

COMMISSION PROGRAMS

Research: While working closely with the University of Georgia, the Cooperative Extension Service and Experiment Stations, the Commission, through its research program, allows growers to receive valuable information on the latest technology and crop management practices. Improved and updated crop management practices enable producers more cost-efficient production and higher yields. The Commission typically funds more than twenty research projects each year that comprehensively address many production concerns.

Promotion and Education: The Georgia Cotton Commission's promotion and education programs target the general public through its on-going consumer outreach activities that are designed to teach anyone interested all about Georgia cotton and it's importance to this state's economy. The education program is also designed to serve Georgia's cotton producers to advise them of the latest in research findings along with pertinent industry news and information. A few of the programs' activities include members of the Commission's staff appearing as guest speaker for civic and youth organizations to take the "Cotton Message" to those unfamiliar with the industry; setting-up an exhibit at numerous, annual trade-shows, cotton industry and agriculture industry events allowing these staff members to interface with the consumer and with cotton producers. At these events, the Commission is able to share information relative to both of these public sectors. Educational literature, youth activity pages, and the "Story of Cotton" teaching kits are also distributed across the United States to legislators, schools, 4-H leaders, etc. upon request. The efforts of the Georgia Cotton Women, a hard-working volunteer organization that promotes cotton and educates at the consumer level, is also sponsored by the Georgia Cotton Commission.