The Cotton Research and Promotion Act of 1966 (Act) authorized a national cotton research and promotion program that is both industry-operated and funded, with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Act allows the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a board of cotton producers and importers or their representatives.

The Cotton Board is responsible for carrying out an effective and continuous program of research and promotion in order to strengthen the competitive position of cotton by expanding domestic and foreign markets for cotton, improving fiber quality, and lowering costs of production. The program, including USDA administrative costs, is financed through producer and importer assessments, not taxpayer dollars.