ABOUT US
The Georgia Cotton Commission, established in 1965, is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. Georgia's cotton growers vote by referendum every three years to maintain the Commission's operation. Producers pay a per bale assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion and education. The Georgia Cotton Commission advances the interest of the cotton producers by supporting programs of the National Cotton Council (NCC) and Southern Cotton Growers. 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 is a central organization that represents all seven segments of the United States cotton industry: producers, ginners, warehousers, cottonseed, merchants, cooperatives and manufacturers. The NCC acts both to create favorable legislative and regulatory policies and to promote and increase profitability of the cotton industry in worldwide fiber and cottonseed markets through their international arm, Cotton Council International. The Southern Cotton Growers, Inc., provides representation at the regional level and serves as the policy-formulating group for the southeastern cotton producing states.
Commission Programs
Research: Through their close work with the University of Georgia, UGA Cooperative Extension and Experiment Stations, the Commission's research programs allow growers to receive valuable information from the research conducted 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 funds several 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 inform people about Georgia cotton and its importance to this state's economy. A few of the programs' activities include members of the Commission's staff appearing as guest speakers for civic and youth organizations. The Commission sets up an exhibit at numerous annual tradeshows and cotton and agricultural events, sharing industry news and information with consumers and cotton producers.
Commission Board Members
Bart Davis
Colquitt County
Chairman
Matt Coley
Dooly County
Vice Chairman
Steven Meeks
Wayne County
Producer
John Ruark
Morgan County
Producer
Chris Hopkins
Toombs County
Producer
Chad Mathis
Baker County
Producer
Greg Sikes
Bulloch County
Producer
David Holton
Mitchell County
Board Advisor
Ex Officios
Tyler Harper
Commissioner
Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tom McCall
President
Georgia Farm Bureau