By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor
Texas-grown cotton is known as some of the finest in the world, but foreign matter like plastic from module wraps can damage cotton quality and the state’s reputation.
To help farmers and ginners prevent cotton contamination, Nueces and San Patricio Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices are set to host a free webinar, Plastics in Cotton, from 8:30 a.m. to noon on May 6.
“Plastic contamination is one of the greatest problems for cotton producers,” Jason Ott, Nueces County AgriLife Extension agent, said. “It affects every segment of the cotton industry and the war against plastic contamination has been going on for some time.”
A 2015 International Textile Manufacturers Federation survey estimated contamination-related losses to cotton at nearly $200 million per year worldwide.
About 70 percent of the foreign matter found in U.S. cotton is plastic, including shopping bags and other non-agricultural material, but the most common contaminant is module wrapping, according to an article in Southwest Farm Press.
Cotton bales tested at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Classing Office in Corpus Christi in 2018 had the highest percentage of plastic contamination in bales in the U.S.
“The Plastics in Cotton webinar will address practices and methods to prevent plastic contamination, and participants will be able to view the proceedings and ask questions from the comfort of their home or office,” Ott said. “All they need to participate is a desktop or laptop computer with internet access and to preregister.”
Interested participants are asked to preregister on or before May 4. A link to the seminar will be emailed to the participant the day before the webinar.
“This program has been planned to be a comprehensive discussion directed toward cotton producers and ginners, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the problem,” San Patricio County AgriLife Extension Agent Bobby McCool said. “Industry professionals from across the cotton sector will be giving their perspective and insights on best management practices for producers and ginners, long-term market implications and other pertinent information regarding plastics in cotton.”
Speakers and panelists include representatives from the National Cotton Council, Texas Cotton Ginner Association, South Texas Cotton and Grain Growers Association, Corpus Christi USDA Cotton Classing Office, AgriLife Extension specialists and Texas cotton growers.
To preregister, click here.
For additional information about the program, call the Nueces County AgriLife Extension office at 361.767.5223.