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www.cottonaustralia.com.au

Advancing Australian Cotton

ANNUAL REPORT
2009-10
 Contents
CHAIR’S REPORT 4

CEO’S REPORT 5

COTTON AUSTRALIA
ONE VOICE FOR GROWERS 6

THE GROWER
REPRESENTATION MODEL 7

COTTON AUSTRALIA BOARD 8

COTTON AUSTRALIA STAFF 9

AUSTRALIA’S COTTON INDUSTRY

NATURALLY WORLD’S BEST 10

FINANCIAL SUMMARY 11

MEMBER SERVICES AND

CAPACITY BUILDING 12

RESEARCH DIRECTION
AND STEWARDSHIP 16

POLICY AND ADVOCACY 20

COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT 24

“Our new organisation has

been getting on with the job
of delivering its five-year
strategic plan.”

2 COTTON AUSTRALIA
CHAIR’S REPORT CEO’S REPORT

THE COMMITMENT TO THE FLOODS IN THEODORE,

INDUSTRY IS TIRELESS ST GEORGE AND DIRRANBANDI
AND THEIR CAPACITY BROUGHT MIXED BLESSINGS
TO MEET EACH NEW FOR THE INDUSTRY.
CHALLENGE IS INSPIRING. Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay inspecting a 2009-10 cotton crop

Cotton Australia Chair since 2008, Joanne Grainger

Just over a year on from a merger between Cotton
Australia and the Australian Cotton Growers Research
Association, our new organisation has been getting on
with the job of delivering its five-year strategic plan.
We have a skilled and professional staff team in place that, along
with the Board, are providing a sole voice for growers. We have
integrated human and fiscal resources, reduced duplication and
are delivering positive outcomes for our growers.
In August last year the final stages of the merger were completed
with the formal election of a Board of nine, replacing an
interim Board. Now we have an opportunity to assess the
effectiveness of the new Cotton Australia, with its additional
research and stewardship functions, to ensure it has achieved
the original goals.
There is no doubt that Cotton Australia now provides one united
voice for growers, with better synergies between the industry’s
research and development efforts and our policy function.
A good example of this has been the incorporation of R&D into
our lobbying program, with strong messages about the value of
rural R&D put forward to government at every opportunity.
An additional positive outcome from this has been enhanced
working relationships with partners such as the Cotton Research
and Development Corporation (CRDC), Cotton Catchments and
Communities Cooperative Research Centre, Australian Cotton
Industry Council (ACIC) and individual researchers.
These collaborations have seen us respond to issues as they arise
even faster and with a more united approach than ever before.
No better example this year was the outbreak of a new exotic
pest in Central Queensland and the Burdekin, the Solenopsis
Mealybug, which required a coordinated and immediate
response from our research, policy, regional management and
communication areas in association with state and Federal
government agencies.
In a further show of industry collaboration, Cotton Australia has
joined with CRDC and the ACIC to develop a Cotton Industry
Vision 2029. It was recognised that the industry needed a clearer
shared vision that would enhance industry performance,
organisational collaboration and capacity, and enable an
alignment of thinking about the future. We await the final results
of this project as it receives wider industry review.
To effectively monitor and evaluate performance, in December
2009 the Cotton Australia Board underwent its annual internal
review. The Board’s performance and operation was assessed
against each area of the Annual Operating Plan, along with a
review of strategic direction. The review found that overall the
organisation was tracking well and that priority issues hadn’t
changed – natural resource management, water policy and
property rights, climate change and the future of rural R&D will
continue to be the focus of our efforts.
The review also showed that Communication and Engagement
was critical to the long-term success of the organisation and
required additional resources and priority, that industry capacity
could be better harnessed through member representation in
various roles and that an industry succession plan was necessary.
The Board will turn its attention to these issues in the coming year.
Looking ahead, the coming season appears to be providing a
better start, both in global cotton prices and water availability,
than for many years. This is welcome news, but with a potentially
bigger crop comes additional challenges. Cotton Australia is
already working with financiers and input supply industries to
ensure that sufficient products and services will be available and
will be working with new growers and those growing cotton for
the first time in many years to ensure they are up to date with
industry best practice.
Once again I would like to acknowledge the support of the
Board and Executive of the organisation. Their enthusiasm and
commitment to the industry is tireless and their capacity to meet
each new challenge is inspiring.
I wish all growers well for the 2010-11 cotton season and the
opportunities it provides and assure you that Cotton Australia will
be there to support you and provide strong industry leadership
into the future.
Joanne Grainger
Chair
2009-10 was a big year for the Cotton Australia team, with
the implementation of an ambitious Annual Operating
Plan covering four key portfolio areas: Member Services
and Capacity Building, Research Direction and
Stewardship, Policy and Advocacy and Communication
and Engagement.
Importantly, this plan was driven by input from growers through
our General Meetings and a successful Cotton Matters Forum
to develop the issues that growers wanted addressed and to
monitor progress.
Staff were not only engaged in proactive implementation of
the Annual Operating Plan this year, but a number of ‘left
field’ issues arose including severe and widespread flooding
throughout Queensland and the incursion of a new exotic pest,
the Solenopsis Mealybug.
The floods in Theodore, St George and Dirranbandi brought
mixed blessings for the industry. Crop losses on some farms
were as high as 100%, with quality affected in most areas and
damage to on-farm infrastructure widespread. Cotton Australia
worked closely with growers on the ground and the Queensland
Rural Adjustment Authority to secure much needed relief funding
and support in all areas. On the positive side, the floods have
seen many on-farm storages fill and a subsequent predicted
increase in the crop to a possible 250,000 hectares or more
next season.
Two new faces in the policy team and a new Regional Manager
for Queensland saw grower representation ramped up at a critical
time during the year, with issues of water and climate change
firmly on government agendas at state and Federal levels.
Cotton Australia was pleased with the announcement that a
coalition deal on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
(CPRS) would exclude agriculture indefinitely. While this deal
ended up being defeated in the Senate, it followed months of
sustained lobbying, alongside the National Farmers Federation
in Canberra. The team has also worked hard to influence the
content of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan that will set new
Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) for irrigation that could
heavily impact on individual farmers and our communities.
I am also pleased to report that damage to cotton crops from
Phenoxy herbicide drift was reduced dramatically compared to
last season. While we mustn’t become complacent, Cotton
Australia’s campaign including the new Cottonmap website,
radio advertising and direct communication with resellers and
applicators appears to have had a positive effect.
In terms of environmental stewardship, the “myBMP” program
was further developed under a new Best Management Practices
(BMP) team. BMP continues to be a flagship program for Cotton
Australia and we look forward to grower’s participation in the
new program over the next 12 months.
Cotton Australia’s role in providing grower-feedback to the
Cotton Research and Development Corporation on research
investment continued during the year, as did our coordinating
role in the TIMS Committee to oversee industry stewardship
of biotechnology traits.
Communication with growers about their new, merged
organisation continued with a new e-newsletter format, a
series of Advancing Australian Cotton brochures and in-depth
Background Briefings on issues such as Water, Phenoxy
Herbicides and Safe Harvest.
Keeping key decision makers such as politicians and the media
informed of industry issues and facts continued to be a major
focus of the communication strategy, and we’ve seen reduced
incidents of negative publicity over the last three years.
Looking forward, I am confident that our current team of
experienced professionals will continue to represent grower’s
interests at all levels on policy and issues that impact most
at farm level, and I thank them for their diligent efforts over
the last year.
Best wishes to all growers for the coming season.
Adam Kay
Chief Executive Officer

4 COTTON AUSTRALIA COTTON AUSTRALIA 5

COTTON AUSTRALIA THE GROWER REPRESENTATION MODEL
ONE VOICE FOR GROWERS
COTTON COTTON AUSTRALIA LTD Corporate Governance
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Board approved
ELECTED BOARD Standing Commitee
CORPORATION
Commitee SIGNS OFF ON:
Cotton Australia is the key OUR VISION COTTON AUSTRALIA (CRDC) (R&D Project) • Industry strategy
representative body for the MEMBERS recommendations
A sustainable Australian cotton industry • Policy decisions Executive Team
Australian cotton growing Formal CRDC
that is valued for its environmental, • Auscott Limited • Organisational capacity
industry, led by a Board of nine reporting @ CA
economic and social contribution. General Meetings • Financial oversight
cotton growers and ginners. • Biloela Cotton Growers’ Association
The organisation was established • Brighann Ginning
in 1972 (as the Australian Cotton
OUR PURPOSE GENERAL MEETING (of Members’ Representatives)
• Caroll Cotton Company Pty Ltd
Foundation) and in 2009 merged To advance the interests of the Australian • Representatives of all Cotton Australia members for broad based advisory input and capacity
cotton growing industry. • Central Highlands Cotton Growers • Grassroots prioritisation of Annual Operating Plan objectives & emerging issues
with the Australian Cotton Growers
& Irrigators Association Inc
Research Association to provide
one united voice for cotton OUR KEY PORTFOLIOS • Cotton Seed Distributors
growers across research, natural • Crop Consultants Australia Ltd Advisory Panel Advisory Panel Advisory Panel Advisory Panel
1. Member Services and Capacity
resource management and cotton VALUE CHAIN BIOSECURITY FARMING SYSTEMS HUMAN CAPACITY
Building • Darling Downs Cotton Growers’ Inc
production issues.
2. Research Direction and Stewardship • Darling River Cotton Pty Limited
Cotton Australia plays a leadership role
3. Policy and Advocacy • Darling River Food and Fibre
in assisting the Australian cotton industry • R&D prioritisation
to be world competitive, sustainable and • Dawson Valley Cotton Growers’ • CRDC project advice
4. Communication and Engagement
accepted by the community. Cotton Association • Advice on emerging policy issues
• Strategic input into Cotton Australia’s Annual Operating Plan
Australia drives the industry’s strategic OUR VALUES • Dirranbandi Cotton Growers’
direction, retaining its strong focus on Association
1. RESPECT Cotton Australia coordinates and facilitates the TIMS, Biosecurity and NORCOM committees
R&D, promoting the value of the industry, • Dunavant Enterprises Ltd
We respect the views, opinions and
ensuring environmental stewardship and
concerns of others at all times. • Gwydir Valley Cotton Growers’
implementing policy objectives in
consultation with stakeholders. 2. OPENNESS
Association EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – 2009-13 STRATEGIC PLAN
We ensure that information is available • Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Cotton
Cotton Australia has offices in Sydney, Growers’ Association OUR STRATEGY
and accessible to our members, staff
Brisbane, Narrabri and Toowoomba. It is
and all relevant parties. • Lower Namoi Cotton Growers’
from these ‘hubs’ that Cotton Australia A SUSTAINABLE COTTON
Association ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENTALLY PRO-ACTIVE COMMUNITY
3. INTEGRITY
goes about its daily business of working
with growers on-farm and engaging We operate with honesty, decency, • Macintyre Valley Cotton Growers’
CAPACITY &
EFFICIENCY
+ SUSTAINABLE
PRACTICES
+ REGULATORY
ENVIRONMENT
+ SUPPORT &
MARKET DEMAND
INDUSTRY VALUED FOR
䉴 ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC
decision makers and opinion leaders consistency and courage. Association AND SOCIAL OUTCOMES
at all levels of government. • Macquarie Cotton Growers’

䉴
The activities of Board and Staff are Association OUR PORTFOLIOS
directed by an Annual Operating Plan, • Menindee and Lower Darling
underpinned by a 2009-13 Strategic Cotton Growers’ Association Member Services Research Direction Policy and Communication and • A cohesive and progressive
Plan that sets out priorities and core • Mungindi Water Users’ and Cotton and Capacity and Industry Advocacy Engagement cotton industry throughout the
areas of business. Growers’ Association Building Stewardship • Grower endorsed • Fresh supply chain
• Namoi Cotton Co-op • 5 year strategic plan • Grower directed position on key communication • Environmentally sustainable
• Human resource research issues strategy water and land use
• North Bourke Growers Ginning
strategy • Coordinated working • Policies relevant to • Cotton Australia • Cotton industry enhanced
• North West Ginning Pty Limited relationships the social, economic Member’s through adoption of research
• Define core role and
• Queensland Cotton Corporation value proposition for between research and environmental Forum – two-way outcomes
Cotton Australia organisations needs of the industry communication
Limited • Industry capacity to rapidly
• Cotton Conference and Australian loop
• St George Cotton Growers’ • Access to an community respond to changing
innovative team of key avenue for • Deepen working
Association government and societal
people who provide research outcomes • Legislation facilitates relationships with
demands
• Tandou Ltd quality services • Stewardship a competitive stakeholders –
to members initiatives/ programs Australian cotton government and • Government, media, key
• Twynam Cotton Pty Ltd industry general public decision maker and community
• Upper Namoi Cotton Growers’ • Leverage policy • Develop a cotton acceptance of the value of the
Association positions growing culture Australian cotton industry
• Walgett Cotton Growers’ of cooperation/ • Enhanced market position for
Association collaboration the Australian cotton industry
• Wathagar Ginning Company

6 COTTON AUSTRALIA COTTON AUSTRALIA 7

COTTON AUSTRALIA COTTON AUSTRALIA
BOARD STAFF

The Annual General Meeting in August 2009 saw the formal election of the Cotton Australia Board, replacing interim 2009-10 saw a re-building of staff capacity at Cotton Australia, with the team focussed on the key areas of policy and
Directors that were in place following a merger with the Australian Cotton Growers Research Association. advocacy, grower services and communication.
This Board is responsible for development and oversight of the strategic direction of the organisation.

JOANNE GRAINGER ANDREW WATSON BOB BELL ADAM KAY THERESE WOODEN GREG KAUTER ROB CAIRNS
Chair Deputy Chair Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer Finance Manager NSW Policy Manager QLD Policy Manager
Cotton grower, Mungindi QLD Cotton grower, Boggabri, NSW Namoi Cotton Based: Sydney Based: Sydney Based: Sydney Based: Brisbane

SIMON CORISH BOB DALL’ALBA HAMISH MILLAR BRAD PFEFFER JAMES HOULAHAN GORDON BAKER BROOKE SUMMERS
Cotton grower Chief Marketing Officer Cotton grower Policy Officer (resigned) NSW Regional Manager QLD Regional Manager Communication Consultant
Goondiwindi, QLD Queensland Cotton Emerald, QLD Based: Sydney Based: Narrabri Based: Toowoomba Based: Sydney

LYNDON MULLIGAN ANDREW PARKES CLEAVE ROGAN STU HIGGINS ALLISON DAVIS CHRISTINA O’HARE
Cotton grower Cotton grower Cotton grower myBMP Operations myBMP Service Manager Receptionist
Moree, NSW Moree, NSW St George, QLD Based: Sydney Based: Narrabri Based: Sydney

8 COTTON AUSTRALIA COTTON AUSTRALIA 9

AUSTRALIA’S COTTON INDUSTRY FINANCIAL SUMMARY
NATURALLY WORLD’S BEST

Cotton is a natural fibre, grown Cotton is grown on some of the deepest Close to 50 regional communities are INCOME
under the Australian sun on about and richest soils in Australia that have reliant on cotton production, which
YEAR LEVY OTHER INCOME
800 farms from Emerald in the north a unique capacity for storing water by underpins regional prosperity and social
of Queensland to Hillston in southern swelling and shrinking in harmony with infrastructure in these communities. In a 2005/2006 $3,866,199 $338,220
NSW. Most cotton farms grow an the natural wetting and drying cycles of normal year the Australian cotton industry 2006/2007 $3,888,766 $251,101
average of 400 hectares of cotton their regions. Likewise, the agricultural directly employs over 10,000 Australians 2007/2008 $2,012,114 $303,394
and are owned and operated by community’s livelihood swells and shrinks and supports 4,000 businesses that rely 2008/2009 $944,100 $1,482,015
Australian families and employ with droughts and floods – and Australian on cotton. 2009/2010 $2,203,624 $654,326
approximately eight staff. cotton farmers have adapted to survive Australian cotton farmers participate in
The 2009-10 cotton crop is likely to in what can be an unforgiving a voluntary environmental program called
produce approximately 1.7 million bales environment when the rains don’t come. Best Management Practices (BMP),
from 184,000 hectares, compared with They have learned to make more which ensures cotton is produced and OPERATING VS CAPITAL
1.4 million bales from 165,000 hectares from less - producing the highest manufactured with the highest YEAR OPERATING CAPITAL
in the previous season. Summer rains yielding, highest quality, most environmental standards from the farm
in many cotton regions in 2009-10, environmentally-friendly cotton in the and beyond. Our innovative farm 2005/2006 $3,551,831 $139,888
followed by flooding throughout world. Cotton farming communities are practices have seen water use efficiency 2006/2007 $3,212,645 $237,193
Queensland in April 2010 filled on-farm now working with leading manufacturers double in the last 25 years, and 2007/2008 $2,211,566 $49,312
storages, providing some positive news and premium brands to differentiate Australian cotton growers deliver two 2008/2009 $1,940,928 $8,924
for cotton farmers who have been their product, placing it into the hands to three times more cotton per land area 2009/2010 $2,085,648 $5,726
battling drought for up to six consecutive of consumers all over the globe. than the global average.
seasons. It is hoped that this is the start The world wants our cotton. Although
of a rebuilding of Australia’s cotton a relatively small producer on the world
industry, back to a crop of three million scale, Australia is the world’s third OPERATING EXPENDITURE
bales or more every year. largest cotton exporter, producing BY PROGRAM 2009/10 2008/09
sustainable, high quality, low contaminant
Board and Executive $442,296 $423,336
cottons that attract a premium on the
Policy and Advocacy $395,077 $263,232
world market. Continuous improvements
in Australian cotton quality, particularly Affiliations $109,977 $103,067
staple length and strength, means Public Affairs $224,278 $186,812
our raw product is increasingly being Education $329 $5,618
used for the production of premium Grower Services/BMP $332,871 $397,831
quality fabric. Office Overheads $367,371 $378,147
Administration $161,749 $157,353
Research $51,700 $25,532
TOTAL $2,085,648 $1,940,928

GROWER CONTRIBUTION RATE

2005/06 68%
2006/07 67%
2007/08 68%
2008/09 69%
2009/10 68%

10 COTTON AUSTRALIA COTTON AUSTRALIA 11

 PORTFOLIO ONE
MEMBER SERVICES
AND CAPACITY
BUILDING
GOALS OF THE 2009-13 STRATEGIC PLAN
1. Establish and implement a five-year
strategic plan based on the needs of the
cotton growing community and the future
global cotton environment
2. Establish a human resource strategy for
Cotton Australia and the industry
3. Establish and promote the core role
and value proposition of the newly
merged Cotton Australia to members
and stakeholders
4. Facilitate leadership and capacity building
programs and opportunities
5. Manage a focused and innovative staff
team providing quality services
12 COTTON AUSTRALIA
FLOODS RAVAGE QUEENSLAND
In some areas, entire cotton crops
were wiped out as a result of the floods
Flooding in numerous Queensland cotton growing regions MEASURING THE IMPACT
in April 2010 brought mixed blessings, with water causing
immediate damage to cotton crops and infrastructure in THEODORE
the Theodore, Comet River, St George and Dirranbandi
Size of Flood: Dawson River peaked at over 13 metres, a one
areas. In some areas entire crops were destroyed, while
in 50 year event
quality was adversely affected in most flood-affected
regions. Number of cotton growers: 15
On the positive side, and once the flood waters receded, this Hectares under cotton in 2009-10 season:
massive influx of water brought welcome relief from a relentless Approximately 3,500
drought. It is hoped that the northern parts of the industry will be Hectares lost and/or damaged (est): 1,700
on the road to recovery over the coming few seasons.
Other damage: fencing, crops, earthworks, levy banks and
Cotton Australia’s Regional Managers and policy team provided irrigation infrastructure
immediate support and assistance to the growers affected,
playing a key role in gathering data and identifying areas of Loss of income for cotton growers: upwards of $8 million
greatest need. Cotton Australia facilitated the information flow
from the local level to government decision makers who in turn ST GEORGE
assisted growers and communities with grants and support Size of Flood: Balonne River peaked at 13.1 metres, a one
through the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority. Cotton in 100 year event
Australia also successfully lobbied for joint Commonwealth-State Number of cotton growers: 27
funded grants to be extended to parts of the Banana Shire
Council and the Central Highlands Regional Council. Hectares under cotton in 2009-10 season:
Approximately 9,000
Cotton Australia will continue to assist in ensuring the recovery
commitments made by governments are implemented over the Hectares lost and/or damaged (est): up to 1,800
coming year. Other damage: major infrastructure damage to storage walls,
levy banks, pumps, roads and town
DIRRANBANDI
Size of Flood: 13.1 metres
Number of cotton growers: 12
Hectares under cotton in 2009-10 season:
Approximately 2,000
Hectares lost and/or damaged (est): up to 400
Other damage: infrastructure damage to storage walls, levy
banks, pumps, roads and town
COTTON AUSTRALIA 13

Cotton Australia’s Strategic Plan addresses
issues facing the industry until 2013
ADVANCING
AUSTRALIAN
COTTON
Cotton Australia is now one year in
to the delivery of a five-year strategic
plan that was developed by the
Board into 2009. An internal review of
the plan conducted in November found
that many of the key issues originally
identified remain relevant and will
continue to dominate in the coming
years. These challenges include rural
skills shortages, market access,
natural resource management,
meeting the demands of consumers,
addressing negative public perceptions,
biotechnology, water, carbon footprint,
capital investment and extensive
government regulation.
Importantly, growers have been closely
involved in reviewing and monitoring the
Strategic Plan through a formal feedback
loop, with adjustments made as new
issues arise.
“GROWERS HAVE
BEEN CLOSELY
INVOLVED IN
REVIEWING AND
MONITORING THE
STRATEGIC PLAN.”
14
From left to right: Cotton Australia CEO
Adam Kay, Chair Joanne Grainger and
Futurist Sandy Teagle
COTTON INDUSTRY
DEVELOPS
2029 VISION
What will the cotton industry look
like 20 years from now? If industry
leaders have got it right, it will be a
vibrant, profitable and attractive rural
industry to work in, while confronting
numerous challenges head on. For the
first time, a ‘2029 Vision Strategy’ was
convened by the Australian Cotton
Industry Council, and developed at a
series of meetings held with all industry
sectors throughout the year.
With the help of well-known futurist,
Sandy Teagle, industry leaders
workshopped various scenarios and
challenges that cotton growers and
industry will face in the next two
decades. The idea was to unite the
industry behind a single vision and
continue to steer it in a positive
direction. The project was greatly
enhanced through valuable and direct
feedback from all of the industry, with
individuals able to take part via on-line
surveys and feedback.
COTTON AUSTRALIA
Cotton Australia’s Regional Managers
James Houlahan (left) and Gordon
Baker (right)
SERVICING
OUR
GROWERS
Cotton Australia’s QLD and NSW
Regional Managers have again had
a very busy and productive year
supporting local Cotton Grower
Associations and servicing the
needs of growers.
Regional Managers delivered strong and
timely on-ground support on the following
key activities and important issues:
• Phenoxy spray drift management
campaign, in particular promotion and
support for the Cottonmap initiative
and reporting of adverse impacts from
spray drift
• Module transport regulations –
direct consultations with road transport
authorities to negotiate an agreed
pathway for achieving 100% vehicle
dimension compliance
• Industrial relations reform –
facilitation of information sessions to
brief growers on the provisions of the
new Federal Pastoral Award
• Murray-Darling Basin Authority
draft Basin Plan – contributing to
the stakeholder consultation phase
• Best Management Practices –
responding to growers queries, auditing
and re-certification
• myBMP – contributing to technical
content development, grower trials
and review
• Mealybug outbreak in central
QLD – participation in key stakeholder
consultations, facilitation of grower
information sessions and promotion
of ‘come clean, go clean’ protocols
2009-10 Future Cotton Leaders group,
pictured with grower Barb Grey, Cotton
Australia Chair Joanne Grainger and CRDC
CEO Bruce Finney
INDUSTRY
LEADERSHIP
Cotton Australia oversaw two major
industry leadership programs during
the year: The Future Cotton Leaders
Program and the Voices of the Future
Program, both designed to train, mentor
and encourage young people into
industry leadership positions.
Young irrigators from four industries –
cotton, rice, dairy and wine – were
chosen to participate in the inaugural
Voices of the Future Program.
This included a forum in Canberra to
have a say on the future of the Murray–
Darling Basin and follow up meetings
with senior representatives from the
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry, Department of Environment,
Water, Heritage and the Arts and the
Murray Darling Basin Authority.
The cotton industry was represented
by young growers Sarah Ball (Gwydir),
Matt Norrie (Namoi), Brendan Barry
(Menindee/Lower Darling) and Brendon
Warnock (Namoi).
Cotton Australia, in partnership with
the Cotton Research Development
Corporation, also ran the second Future
Cotton Leaders Program. This offers the
opportunity for participants to meet other
like-minded people in the cotton industry,
set goals and develop a plan to achieve
them, experience new ideas, and take
away new information and tips from
inspiring speakers.
COTTON AUSTRALIA
Cotton Australia gathers with growers to
discuss important industry issues
CLOSING
THE FEEDBACK
LOOP
General Meetings throughout the
year continued to be a fruitful forum
for interaction between growers and
Cotton Australia and delivered direct
feedback to inform industry policy
and research needs. Meetings in
Moree and Toowoomba saw Cotton
Australia member representatives from
across the industry gather to discuss
policy issues, industry challenges and
research and development needs.
Member representatives are drawn
from local Cotton Grower Associations,
ensuring a full range of representative
views from across the cotton belt.
General Meetings continued to highlight
core business and were useful in ‘ground
truthing’ projects such as the Phenoxy
herbicide drift management plan,
Cottonmap and key work in policy areas
such as road transport issues, water and
carbon footprint.
“2009-10 WAS A YEAR
OF REBUILDING STAFF
FOLLOWING MANY
YEARS OF DROUGHT.”
Cotton Australia’s newly appointed QLD
Regional Manager Gordon Baker (left),
with Emerald Cotton grower Nigel Burnett
COTTON AUSTRALIA
TEAM CAPACITY
BUILDING
2009-10 was a year of rebuilding
staff following many years of
drought, particularly in the policy
and advocacy and Best Management
Practices teams. Cotton Australia
welcomed Queensland Policy Manager
Rob Cairns back to the industry, after
stints at the World Wildlife Fund and the
Bureau of Sugar. Brad Pfeffer also joined
the policy team in Sydney to round out
the organisation’s lobbying efforts, and
a new Queensland Regional Manager,
Gordon Baker, signed up in the
Toowoomba office. After laying the
foundations for the new myBMP
Program, Louise Adcock left Cotton
Australia and was replaced by acting
BMP Manager Stu Higgins and BMP
Service Officer Allison Davis.
The staff closely participated in the
development, implementation and
evaluation of the Annual Operating Plan,
with quarterly meetings to track progress
and develop strategy.
15
 PORTFOLIO TWO
RESEARCH
DIRECTION AND
STEWARDSHIP
GOALS OF THE 2009-13 STRATEGIC PLAN
1. Provide direction on grower driven research,
development and extension to the Cotton
Research and Development Corporation
2. Work with relevant research organisations
to achieve a coordinated common objective
to cotton research
3. Ensure Australian Cotton Conference
continues as the key dissemination point
for research outcomes
4. Lead industry stewardship initiatives
5. Contribute to securing ongoing cotton
industry research and development funding
16 COTTON AUSTRALIA
OUTBREAK OF MEALYBUGS
IN QUEENSLAND
The cotton industry’s biosecurity arrangements were
tested during the 2009-10 season, with a new pest
discovered by expert cotton industry entomologist,
Dave Murray, on 13 January 2010. The Phenacoccus
solenopsis, known as the Solenopsis Mealybug, was later
confirmed as a species different to those already present
in Australia and was found to be established on at least
30 farms, weeds and home gardens around Emerald in
Central Queensland. The pest was also found in the
Burdekin region in Queensland and late in the season,
two positive collections were made from cotton crops on
the Darling Downs.
Damage to cotton crops in the Emerald district occurred in
patches and varied from little effect on some farms to badly
affected hot spots. The full extent of damage is not yet known,
but the Mealybug in effect kills the cotton plant, resulting in
serious losses in yield. The pest was therefore cause for
serious concern.
Despite subsequent investigations, the method for introduction
of Mealybugs remains unknown. However, we do know that
Mealybugs can be spread through movement of infested plants,
and can be transported by wind and rain, on clothing, footwear
and vehicles.
The procedures within the Emergency Plant Pest Response
Deed were triggered by the positive identification of this new
exotic pest in January. However, after consideration of current
distribution, it was determined that an emergency response
aimed at eradication of the pest (such as quarantining farms
or stopping machinery movements) was not feasible.
COTTON AUSTRALIA
A new exotic pest, the Solenopsis Mealybug,
was found in Emerald, the Burdekin and on the
Darling Downs during the 2009-10 season
Approximately 50 cotton growers and industry representatives
met in Emerald in early February to discuss the issue and
growers were unanimous in their view that eradication of the
pest was most likely not possible. An industry working group
was formed to develop management and control options, in
consultation with local growers.
This group, including representatives from Cotton Australia,
Queensland Department of Employment, Economic
Development and Innovation, Biosecurity Queensland and the
Cotton CRC worked to quickly develop a Mealybug
Management Protocol, particularly surrounding farm hygiene
and machinery movements for the 2010 picking season.
In time for the commencement of picking in Emerald the group
was able to conduct assessments for disinfestation of
Mealybugs from farm machinery, obtain an emergency use
permit for the superior Pulse® treatment, obtain a commitment
from Biosecurity Queensland to provide a certified inspector for
picking machinery in Emerald and amend the industry Come
Clean Go Clean farm hygiene protocol to include recommended
management practices. Work and trial research continues in
anticipation of further issues with Mealybugs next season.
17

Cotton Australia’s NSW Regional Manager
(left) with Gwydir cotton grower and
Member of Farming Systems Advisory
Panel, Joe Robinson
GROWER DRIVEN
FEEDBACK ON COTTON
R&D
Cotton Australia’s role as the
representative organisation to the
Cotton Research and Development
Corporation (CRDC) requires a
regular two-way flow of feedback
on research and development
throughout the year.
Cotton Australia members and staff are
represented on four panels that review
critical areas of CRDC research:
biosecurity; farming systems; the value
chain; and human capacity.
Panel members contribute many hours
in reading and discussing research
proposals and feedback is provided that
is vital in guiding the CRDC to conduct
effective research that can be practically
applied at farm level.
Key Cotton Australia Activities
• October 2009: Cotton Australia
provided feedback on 80 CRDC
Preliminary Research Proposals
• February 2010: Panels discussed
and provided constructive feedback
on CRDC Full Research Proposals for
funding in 2010-11
• July 2009 and January 2010: Panels
oversaw progress of all continuing
research projects
18
Pidgeon pea refuge (left) is one of the key
strategies in the cotton industry’s resistance
management plan
PROTECTING COTTON’S
BIOTECHNOLOGY
TRAITS
The Transgenic and Insecticide
Management Strategies (TIMS)
committee has been charged with
stewardship since 1995. Made up of
representatives from Cotton Australia, the
Crop Consultants Association and
research bodies, the committee monitors
and manages potential resistance to
insecticides, Bt and herbicide tolerant
cotton crops. The committee takes
advice from a number of technical panels
and considers latest industry research to
ensure resistance management plans
(RMPs) are up to date.
During 2009-10, the TIMS committee
undertook the following activities:
• Consulted, reviewed and amended
Bollgard II RMPs for final APVMA
approval by planting in September
• Reviewed and approved
recommendations on planting
windows, risk management plans
and Bt resistance contingency plan
• Consulted, reviewed and ratified
regional cotton industry 2009-10
insecticide resistance management
strategies
• Reviewed Crop Management Plans
for Roundup Ready FLEX and Liberty
Link Cotton
• Attended Resistance Management
Roadshow to present latest research
findings and update industry on
changes to resistance management
strategies for the coming season
COTTON AUSTRALIA
The 15th Australian Cotton Conference
will be held at the Gold Coast
Convention and Exhibition Centre from
10-12 August 2010
AUSTRALIAN COTTON
CONFERENCE
FASHIONING THE FUTURE
Cotton Australia and the Australian
Cotton Shippers Association have
again joined forces to run the
successful Australian Cotton
Conference in August 2010 under an
aspirational theme – Fashioning the
Future. Now in its 30th year, the
conference has evolved to become a
fully integrated industry conference that
encompasses all sectors of the cotton
supply chain. The Conference is
overseen by a Committee of volunteers
who are committed to showcasing
the cotton industry and sharing its
innovations, research and best practice
with a wide audience.
The Conference will bring together
growers, researchers, agronomists,
merchants, ginners, service providers,
spinners, international traders and brand
owners in an exchange of knowledge,
innovation and ideas for the future.
A varied program delivered by expert
speakers is offered to delegates, along
with a host of social and networking
activities to encourage interaction
between the various sectors of industry.
From left to right, Cotton Australia’s Greg
Kauter, Research Economists Aaron Morely
and Ana Markulev, Associate Commissioner
Cliff Samson and Commissioner Philip
Weickhardt attend rural R&D tour in Narrabri
as part of Productivity Commission Review
LOBBYING TO
RETAIN RURAL
R&D FUNDING
Cotton Australia was extremely
disappointed when the Federal
Government last May announced
a decision to disband Land and
Water Australia. Since then, the Federal
Minister for Agriculture, the Hon.
Tony Burke has continued to put the
spotlight on agricultural research and
development by announcing a
Productivity Commission review into
the functioning of all rural Research
and Development Corporations.
Cotton Australia has been a leader in
confronting the challenge to ensure
that vital rural research doesn’t face
further government funding cuts and
incorporated this issue into a sustained
lobbying campaign. This included
submissions and meetings with the
Productivity Commission, convening
meetings of other rural groups to devise
joint strategy and meetings with key
politicians and advisors in the Treasury,
Finance, and Agriculture portfolios.
“COTTON AUSTRALIA IS CONFRONTING
THE CHALLENGE TO ENSURE VITAL
RURAL RESEARCH DOESN’T FACE
FURTHER FUNDING CUTS.”
COTTON AUSTRALIA
myBMP is a new, on-line one stop shop for
best practise in the Australian cotton
industry
myBMP – A NEW ERA
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP
The cotton industry’s environmental
program, Best Management
Practices, underwent a major
renovation during 2009-10, with the
new myBMP program trialled with
growers in June 2010. The main areas
of work, which included extensive
consultation with industry, included:
• Updating content in 13 modules
covering topics such as biosecurity,
natural assets and integrated pest
management
• Migrating the program to a web-
based format
• Linking each best practice with
the latest R&D available
• Developing a new auditing program
Key challenges were to ensure cotton
growers in the existing BMP program
could be transferred to “myBMP” with
little disruption or additional work and to
ensure that the Queensland Department
of Environment and Resource
Management’s agreement with Cotton
Australia regarding statutory Land and
Water Management Plans would
continue uninterrupted.
The cotton industry’s biosecurity
arrangements were put to the test with an
outbreak of exotic mealybugs this year.
ENSURING BIOSECURITY
THROUGH PLANT
HEALTH AUSTRALIA
Cotton Australia represents the
industry in biosecurity through its
membership of Plant Health Australia
(PHA) and is updated on changes
to Australia’s biosecurity systems
throughout the year. Following a major
government review of Australia’s
quarantine and biosecurity systems as a
consequence of the equine influenza
incursion, new Biosecurity legislation
is due to be introduced. This will
substantially upgrade the quarantine
and biosecurity powers of the Australian
Government as part of broader reforms
associated with the challenges of
modern commerce and trade systems.
Signatories to the Emergency Plant
Pest Response Deed, including Cotton
Australia, met during the year to
determine the issue of coverage of bees
and unprocessed plant products. Cotton
Australia argued they should be eligible
for owner reimbursement costs should
they be destroyed or perish as a
consequence of an incursion response.
A full revision of the Cotton Industry
Biosecurity Plan was also completed,
resulting in the release of version two
in November 2009.
19
 PORTFOLIO THREE
POLICY AND
ADVOCACY
GOALS OF THE 2009-13 STRATEGIC PLAN
1. Influence government policy to enable the
cotton industry to operate competitively in
the Australian and global market place
2. Develop industry positions in consultation
with growers on key strategic issues
3. Maintain currency of policies to ensure
relevance to the social, economic and
environmental needs of the industry
4. Leverage policy positions through like-
groups within the supply chain and
agricultural sector, ensuring Cotton
Australia policy is included and articulated
20 COTTON AUSTRALIA
MURRAY DARLING BASIN PLAN
The Basin Plan will perhaps have greater implications for
cotton irrigators than any other policy change in the last
five years. Part of the Federal Government’s reforms
under the Water Act 2007, the Basin Plan will impose
extraction limits on water for irrigation in the Basin,
based on Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs).
Cotton Australia’s greatest concern is that the socio-economic
impacts of potential cuts to water allocations will be enormous
and have not been properly accounted for in the Plan’s
development. Already we are seeing damage to regional
communities following the ongoing water buyback program.
Research released this year by the Cotton CRC found that
removing 790 gigalitres (GL) of irrigation water from the
Basin could see the loss of as many as 26,500 regional jobs
(and the government has purchased more than this amount
of water already).
Cotton Australia conducted its own research through the year,
focusing on the Gwydir Valley, the most heavily-targeted valley
in the buyback. More than 100GL of water has been bought
from willing sellers in the Gwydir, or about 20% of general
security entitlements. This could mean 15,000 hectares less
cotton in good years and 90-100 fewer jobs, resulting in severe
negative socio-economic impacts for towns such as Moree.
Cotton Australia has been fighting hard to leverage good
outcomes for the industry in dealing with this massive challenge.
The organisation has been heavily involved in political and
departmental lobbying and has continued to fight rigorously
through its membership of the National Farmers Federation,
Queensland Farmers Federation and NSW Irrigators’ Council.
COTTON AUSTRALIA
Cotton Australia participated in numerous consultations on
the draft Basin Plan during the year including pictured here
(from left to right) Auscott’s Bernie George, the Chairman
of the Murray Darling Basin Authority Mike Taylor and
Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay
Staff have been involved in several Murray Darling Basin
Authority (MDBA) forums and consultations on the Basin Plan
and constructed a detailed submission on potential Sustainable
Diversion Limits and their impacts. Policy staff continually briefed
Ministers Wong and Burke and their advisory staff, the Prime
Minister’s office and the Opposition. The team worked with
northern Basin irrigator groups and local government to ensure
a strategic and coordinated approach in responding to the Plan.
Frustratingly, progress on the infrastructure component of Water
for the Future moved very slowly. Through most of the year the
Commonwealth and States continued to blame each other for
the impasse, while regional communities continued to wait for
the potential benefits of this on-farm infrastructure investment.
The months ahead – and even the next three years before the
Plan is implemented – will continue to pose a major challenge
for the industry to protect its property rights and water
entitlements to ensure a viable rural industry and sustainable
regional communities.
21

Cotton Australia’s Adam Kay with
Jill Hogendyk, taking water policies
to Canberra
NEW
POLICY DEVELOPMENT
The Australian cotton industry is
operating in an environment that is
more legislated and regulated than
ever before. During the year Cotton
Australia developed a number of new
policy positions to capture emerging
issues affecting growers and the
broader industry.
These positions were communicated
to growers and external stakeholders
through Cotton Australia’s series of
Background Briefings, ensuring the
ability to raise awareness on key
issues and apply political pressure
where appropriate.
Policy positions were developed in
consultation with Cotton Australia grower
panels, Cotton Grower Associations,
Board and growers and included:
• Phenoxy Herbicide Spray Drift
• Safe Picking and Module Transport
• The Future of Water in the
Murray-Darling
• New Cotton Workplace Award
• Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
Cotton Australia will continue to update
existing policies and develop new ones
to reflect the collective needs of the
industry and ensure a policy framework
that does not unfairly impede the
operations and development of cotton
in Australia.
22
Cotton Australia Chair Joanne Grainger
in the field with Federal Minister for
Agriculture the Hon. Tony Burke MP as
part of ongoing lobbying efforts
ENGAGING WITH
POLITICIANS
Between drought, floods, the
Copenhagen Climate Summit, and
the Water for Future program, the
last 12 months in politics has seen
a full agenda for the team at
Cotton Australia.
In that time, there have also been major
Ministerial reshuffles in the NSW and
Queensland Governments and a change
of leadership and policy direction from
the Federal Opposition. This revolving
door of politicians has seen Cotton
Australia keep a constant vigil, briefing
State and Federal politicians on key
industry issues as they are appointed to
key portfolios.
Cotton Australia has strengthened a
working relationship with key politicians in
Canberra including Ministers Wong and
Burke, and also embarked on a
comprehensive round of briefings with
back-bench Members and Senators in
the government.
The policy team and Board have also
briefed numerous government and
opposition politicians at a State level in
NSW and Queensland across a variety of
portfolios. This ongoing contact has
proven especially valuable during crisis
times such as the floods in Queensland
in April.
COTTON AUSTRALIA
Adam Kay being interviewed on ABC
Radio Queensland Country Hour
regarding 2,4D drift issues
MANAGING
THE MEDIA
Addressing negative public
perceptions of the cotton industry
continues to challenge Cotton
Australia. The media strategy has
focussed on ensuring key journalists and
opinion leaders have factual information
about the industry and are up to date
with its activities. Sustained rounds of
media briefings with political, environment
and rural reporters have continued,
which has successfully diffused negative
publicity in the last three years and
generated a number of positive industry
stories in the general news, rural and
business pages.
Positive media coverage was also
generated throughout the cotton
growing regions, with stories localised
for relevance and focused on Cotton
Australia activity at a grass roots level.
Regular columns in industry media and
cotton publications, radio interviews and
regular media releases have continued
to see Cotton Australia’s messages
publicised to the industry.
Dalby Cotton Grower Ian Hayllor pictured
near a coal seam gas bore, just one of many
issues on which Cotton Australia made
submissions to government during the year
on behalf of growers
MAKING
GOVERNMENT
SUBMISSIONS
As part of its broad-ranging
engagement in public policy and
legislation, Cotton Australia has been
active in protecting and promoting
the industry through public and
invited submissions
to government.
Nationally, Cotton Australia lodged
submissions to:
• The 2010 Federal Budget
• The APVMA regarding agricultural and
veterinary chemicals
• The Federal Department of Agriculture
regarding endosulfan
• The Department of Environment, Water,
Heritage and the Arts regarding
environmental water
• The Productivity Commission on rural
research and development
• The Productivity Commission on
market mechanisms for recovering
water in the Basin
• The Murray Darling Basin Authority on
Sustainable Diversion Limits
• To the West Australian Government on
genetically modified crops
In Queensland, submissions were
lodged on:
• Coal seam gas exploration
• Strategic cropping land versus mining
In NSW, submissions were lodged on:
• The Macquarie Marshes draft
Environmental Management Plan
• Sustainable water management
COTTON AUSTRALIA
Cotton Australia achieves special
exemptions for cartage of round bale cotton
modules like those pictured
MODULE TRANSPORT
VEHICLE COMPLIANCE
WORK PAYS OFF
During the year, Cotton Australia led
an industry group through a lengthy
process of negotiation with the NSW
Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA)
regarding compliance of chain-bed
trailers used to cart modules from
the farm to the gin.
The group successfully negotiated a
pathway with the NSW RTA to ensure
the cotton industry takes positive steps
to convert all remaining non-compliant
chain-bed trailers following the end of the
2010-11 season. In the interim, approval
was granted for an exemption from
compliance with the statutory maximum
dimensions for chain-bed trailer width,
height and rear overhang, relieving the
industry for another season.
A wider representative cotton industry
working group, facilitated by Cotton
Australia, was also established to review
the industry’s Cotton Module and Bale
Restraint Guide. The guide will be revised
against current best practices for the safe
loading, restraining, transporting and
unloading of cotton modules and bales.
“COTTON AUSTRALIA HAS
STRENGTHENED WORKING
RELATIONSHIPS WITH
KEY POLITICIANS
IN CANBERRA.”
Following a concerted lobbying effort,
Federal Minister for Water the
Hon. Senator Penny Wong (right)
announces $160 million in irrigation
efficiency projects in the Macquarie to
cotton grower Gus O’Brien (left) and
Nick Brennan (centre)
IMPLEMENTATION
OF ON FARM WATER
EFFICIENCY PROJECTS
Cotton Australia continued to lobby
the Federal Government to ensure
that funds started to flow at the farm
level for this component of the Water
for the Future Plan. In NSW, Cotton
Australia focused on working with the
NSW Department of Primary Industries
on the Irrigated Farm Modernisation
program, up to $300 million for projects
to increase water use efficiency of
irrigated agriculture. In Queensland, the
organisation continued to work with
individual growers and the Queensland
Farmers Federation to achieve a more
integrated approach between buy-backs
and infrastructure upgrades and a more
collaborative approach on establishing
market value for different water
entitlement types.
23
 PORTFOLIO FOUR
COMMUNICATION
AND ENGAGEMENT
GOALS OF THE 2009-13 STRATEGIC PLAN
1. Establish, implement and maintain a fresh
communication strategy to re- engage
growers and industry regarding Cotton
Australia as a new entity
2. Be a respected and valued national peak
body effectively representing the interests
of the Australian cotton growing community
3. Establish two way communication loop via
Member’s Forum and increase the cotton
growing culture of cooperation
24 COTTON AUSTRALIA
CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE PHENOXY
HERBICIDE DAMAGE
Cotton Australia’s comprehensive communication,
education and engagement campaign to reduce the
impact of Phenoxy herbicide spray drift on cotton crops
continued this year, with positive results for growers.
The plan included a broad range of activities, including:
• Intensive lobbying of the APVMA, state regulatory agencies
and politicians
• Direct marketing to farmers via chemical resellers, machinery
sales and spray applicators
• A targeted advertising, media and awareness campaign
across all cotton growing valleys
• Promoting chemical application training available through
a jointly funded project of the Cotton and Grains Research
and Development Corporations
• Establishing a stronger network with grains industry and
agribusiness organisations
• Immediate follow-up with Federal and State regulatory
authorities following drift incidents
• A new Phenoxy herbicide section on the Cotton Australia
web site
In addition, a new website was launched, www.cottonmap.com.au,
a tool that growers and consultants used to map the season’s
cotton fields. This allowed surrounding neighbours to check the
placement of sensitive cotton fields before applying Phenoxy
herbicides that could drift and cause damage.
COTTON AUSTRALIA
Cotton Australia’s phenoxy herbicide campaign helped
reduce severity and incidence of drift onto cotton
in the 2009-10 season
Cottonmap was well supported by growers and agronomists
with 217 registered users mapping 2,027 cotton fields, or
almost 95% of the 2009-10 cotton crop.
Based on grower reports and confirmed incidents of Phenoxy
spray drift damage, both the number of hectares and the
severity of damage appeared to be significantly less for the
2009-10 season in comparison to previous years. This would
indicate that the awareness campaigns and messages of
responsible spray application seem to be getting through to
users of Phenoxy herbicides.
It needs to be acknowledged, however, that for some regions
and individual growers there hasn’t been enough improvement,
as spray drift and significant crop damage did occur again during
the season. Growers in the Lower Namoi Valley continue to be
frustrated by what appears to be a small number of applicators
who repeatedly show little regard for label instructions,
responsible spray application and managing any adverse
impacts on neighbours.
Cotton Australia will continue to focus resources on this issue
to help defend the interests of growers and advocate for tougher
action by the authorities for those who blatantly offend.
25

A new tagline, “Advancing
Australian Cotton” as promoted
alongside the Cotton Australia
logo throughout the year
PROMOTING
THE COTTON
AUSTRALIA BRAND
The Cotton Australia logo and brand
has stood the test of time and has
now been in existence for over
30 years. Following a merger with the
Australian Cotton Growers Research
Association in 2009, a project was
implemented to create and communicate
a new visual identity and brand for the
organisation. “Advancing Australian
Cotton” was introduced as a tagline
that has been used across printed
materials and has been added to
the logo and other corporate
communication tools.
A set of templates carrying this brand,
and a series of brochures explaining
various aspects of the new organisation’s
role and functions were produced and
distributed to industry. The Cotton
Australia website was also updated,
with new sections explaining the
research and other new functions of the
organisation. Positioning of the Cotton
Australia brand and its associated key
messages with target audiences will
continue to be a focus of Cotton
Australia in the coming year.
26
Promoting the cottonmap website formed
the basis for one grower communication
campaign during the year.
GROWER AND
INDUSTRY
COMMUNICATION
Keeping growers and industry
abreast of Cotton Australia issues
and activities is a critical function
of the organisation. This was achieved
during the year through sustained
communication using a number of
methods:
• Fortnightly e-newsletter to update
industry on Cotton Australia activity
and issues that impact on growers
• A series of technical Background
Briefing documents to provide
in-depth analysis of issues such as
Climate Change, the Carbon Pollution
Reduction Scheme, Water in the
Murray-Darling, Phenoxy Herbicides
and Cotton Workplace Award
• Cotton Communiqués to
communicate urgent information
to growers, for example Mealybug
Outbreak and shortage of Pegasus and
Admiral
• New website sections including
transport, Phenoxy herbicides and
research and development
• Local media campaigns
• Direct communication with growers
through General Meetings and
attendance at Cotton Grower
Association meetings
COTTON AUSTRALIA
Australia’s delegation at the ICAC
meeting in Cape Town
INTERNATIONAL COTTON
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING – CAPE TOWN
Cotton Australia attended the
International Cotton Advisory
Committee (ICAC) 68th Plenary
Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa,
along with a group of Australian
cotton industry and Government
representatives in September 2009.
This was part of Cotton Australia’s re-
engagement with the global cotton
industry, following a period of limited
interaction due to budget constraints.
Key messages from the meeting included:
• The forecast of a modest increase
in cotton consumption following a year
where consumption fell 12%, the
largest year-to-year percentage decline
since at least the 1920s, a direct result
of the global financial crisis
• The reaffirmation of the urgent
necessity for an ambitious and
balanced conclusion to the Doha
Round of trade talks with a focus on
assisting developing countries
• A report that more than 80% of world
cotton production had received
government support (subsidies) in
2008/09, with the value of this support
more than doubling to approximately
US$6 billion
There was also much discussion
regarding organic cotton, with a number
of African nations reporting that yields for
organic cotton were lower and not as
profitable as conventionally grown cotton.
Cotton Australia’s Rob Cairns joined
members of the Australian Cotton Shippers
Association on a tour to key customers in
south-east Asia
SELLING AUSSIE
COTTON TO
THE WORLD
In early March 2010 Cotton Australia
joined a delegation of Australian
cotton industry representatives to
Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore to
promote Australian cotton to both
established and potential buyers.
The trip was carried out as part of the
Austrade supported Export Market
Development Grant Scheme (EMDG).
A number of well-attended seminars
were held to reposition the Australian
cotton industry following a period of
sustained drought and to re-establish
its credentials as world leaders in
productivity, yield, water use efficiency,
quality and environmental stewardship.
Feedback from over 120 participants
was extremely positive, particularly with
regards to Australia being able to deliver
a high quality, environmentally sound
product as compared to that delivered by
the organic cotton industry. The group
also attended the International Cotton
Association Conference in Singapore in
recognition of Asia now being at the
heart of world cotton business.
COTTON AUSTRALIA
The wool and cotton industries worked
together to launch the 2009 International
Year of Natural Fibres in Sydney
2009 INTERNATIONAL
YEAR OF NATURAL
FIBRES
Cotton Australia teamed up with
Australian Wool Innovation to
celebrate the 2009 International
Year of Natural Fibres at a launch
in Sydney in May. Attended by
Australia's Minister for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry the Hon. Tony
Burke and Director-General of the
United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization Dr Jacques Diouf, the event
paid tribute to Australia’s wool and cotton
producers, highlighting their world
leadership status in innovation and
productivity.
The aim of the International Year of
Natural Fibres was to raise the profile of
natural fibre products around the world,
to emphasise their value in fighting
hunger and poverty and to overall
economic growth.
During the launch, the Australian
Government made a commitment to
continue to work with the cotton industry
to raise awareness of the importance of
sustainably produced natural fibres and
to promote demand for Australian
produce.
NSW Irrigators Council General Meeting,
of which Cotton Australia is a member
MEMBERSHIPS
AT WORK
Cotton Australia has maintained its
memberships of the National
Farmers Federation, NSW Irrigators
Council and Queensland Farmers
Federation. The organisation leverages
these memberships to influence
government policy and decision making
on key issues for growers. During the
year, these included:
• National water reform and the draft
Murray-Darling Basin Plan
• Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
• Federal Pastoral Award
• Flood plain harvesting in NSW
• Coal seam gas exploration in
Queensland
Joanne Grainger is Cotton Australia’s
representative on the NFF Policy Council,
with Gwydir grower David Robinson
“a member of the Water Committee.
Director Andrew Watson is Cotton
Australia’s representative on the NSW
Irrigators Council, and Chair Joanne
Grainger fills the important role as
Vice-President of the QFF.
27