AMS is proposing to amend the Cotton Research and Promotion Order (Order) to implement section 14202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L.110-234), or “2008 Farm Bill”, that amended the Cotton Research and Promotion Act (7 U.S.C. 2101–2118)(Act). The 2008 Farm Bill designated the States of Kansas, Virginia, and Florida in the definition of “cotton-producing state.”

AMS conducted a formal rulemaking hearing on the proposed amendments on Friday, December 5, 2008, and, in issued the Secretary’s Decision and Referendum Order on October 5, 2009. The decision proposes amendments to the Order and provides Upland cotton producers and importers with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if they favor the changes. According to the Act, a referendum among cotton producers and cotton importers is required to implement, amend, continue, or when appropriate, to suspend, or to terminate the Order or any of its provisions. The Referendum is scheduled for October 13, 2009 through November 10, 2009. Below are the related documents.