The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched the Great American Cotton Plan, a wide-ranging initiative aimed at revitalizing the country’s cotton sector, strengthening domestic textile manufacturing, expanding export opportunities, and increasing demand for products made from American-grown cotton.
Announcing the initiative, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said the plan seeks to restore profitability for cotton growers who have faced five consecutive years of negative returns due to rising production costs, unfair foreign competition, and growing use of synthetic fibers.
The initiative also promotes the “Plant Not Plastic” campaign, encouraging consumers to choose natural cotton products over petroleum-based synthetic alternatives. USDA said the move aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to support sustainable and healthier consumer choices amid increasing concerns over microplastic pollution.
Cotton remains one of the most important agricultural commodities in the United States, generating significant economic activity across farming, manufacturing, and retail sectors. However, the industry has faced mounting challenges, including a sharp decline in domestic textile production and the loss of the country’s position as the world’s largest cotton exporter to Brazil in 2023.
According to USDA estimates, U.S. cotton producers could face losses of approximately $2.6 billion on nearly 9 million planted acres during the upcoming crop year. The number of cotton gins has also fallen dramatically, from 2,254 in 1980 to just 446 today.
The Great American Cotton Plan is built around four key pillars: promoting domestic cotton consumption, increasing domestic demand and production capacity, improving cotton trade, and protecting growers from production risks.
Key measures include expanded support for cotton processors and manufacturers through loan programs, increased assistance for textile mills, higher marketing loan rates for cotton, strengthened export promotion efforts, and enhanced crop insurance options for growers.
USDA also highlighted recent trade engagements with countries including Indonesia and Bangladesh, which are expected to support future purchases of U.S. cotton and encourage textile production using American-grown fiber.
The USDA said it will work closely with industry stakeholders, manufacturers, retailers, cotton producers, and lawmakers to strengthen the entire cotton value chain, from farm production to finished textile products.
