AMS No. 111-11

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 720-8998

Samuel.Jones@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2011—The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to conduct a review of the Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendments of 1990 and to determine whether a referendum is needed.

The Secretary of Agriculture is required by the Cotton Research and Promotion Act (Act) to conduct a review every 5 years to ascertain if a referendum is needed to determine if producers and importers favor continuation of the 1990 amendments to the Act. If the Secretary decides not to conduct a referendum, the Act provides for a sign-up period immediately following that decision for producers and importers to request a referendum.

A Federal Register notice invites producers, importers and all other interested parties to submit written comments to USDA. USDA will consider these comments in determining whether a referendum is warranted. USDA will announce the results of the review in September 2011.

Authorized under the Cotton Research and Promotion Act of 1966, the Cotton Board administers the national promotion and research program to maintain and expand markets for Upland cotton.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operations of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program.

Details of the notice appeared in the June 1, 2011, Federal Register. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this notice to Shethir M. Riva, Chief, Research and Promotion Staff, Cotton and Tobacco Programs, AMS, USDA, Stop 0224, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Room 2635-S, Washington, D.C. 20250-0224 or at Shethir.riva@ams.usda.gov. Comments may also be submitted electronically through www.regulations.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (Voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).AMS No. 004-11