PERRY — The Georgia Cotton Commission Board of Directors approved $675,340 in research for the 2025 crop year during the March board meeting.

In a press release late this week, the Georgia Cotton Commission said the money will fund 17 projects that will be conducted by University of Georgia researchers and extension specialists. Projects range from funding for the UGA cotton team to research on resistant weeds, soil management practices, evaluating the economics of conservation production, irrigation management and many more. The goal of this producer-funded research is to help cotton producers by conducting research that can either raise yields, promote efficiency or open new markets, the commission said.

All projects are vetted by both the commission board of directors and State Support Committee, made up of cotton producers from across the state, and the commission’s research review committee, which is made up of researchers, crop consultants and local UGA Extension Agriculture/Natural Resource agents.

GCC Chairman Bart Davis, a cotton farmer from Colquitt County, said, “I and the other producers on our board understand that due to high inputs and low markets, times are extremely hard on the farm, and we are committed to being good stewards of producers’ money by funding research projects that promote efficiency, increases yield, and ensures long-term sustainability for family farms in Georgia.”

The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry. The commission began its work 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. For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission, call (478) 988-4235 or go to www.georgiacottoncommission.org.