PERRY – Georgia Cotton Commission board of directors approved $656,287 in research for the 2020 crop year and approved $25,500 in supplemental research for 2019. 

The money will go to fund 18 projects that will be conducted by researchers and extension specialists from the University of Georgia and the University of West Georgia, commission members said. 

Projects range from funding for the UGA cotton team, to research on resistant weeds, evaluating the economics of conservation production, monitoring water use efficiency, etc. 

The goal of the producer-funded research is to help a cotton producer’s bottom line by conducting research that can either raise yields, promote efficiency or open new markets, commissioners said.

All projects are vetted by the board of directors and state support committee, made up of cotton producers from across the state, and the commission’s research review committee, which consists of researchers, crop consultants and local UGA extension agriculture/natural resource agents.

“Despite the decrease in income for the Georgia Cotton Commission, our board is committed to providing the cotton farmer valuable research that can make a difference on their farms. Now, more than ever, it is important for us to fund research that makes an impact while being an effective steward of the farmer’s money,” said Bart Davis, GCC chairman and a Colquitt County cotton grower.

The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry. The commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the commission to invest in programs of research, promotion and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia, commissioners said. 

For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission, call (478) 988-4235 or visit www.georgiacottoncommission.org.