The Role of Cotton in Economic Development and Ensuring Food Security During a Period of Global Economic Crisis

During the International Year of Natural Fibres: “Discover Natural Fibres”

Preparations for the 68th ICAC Plenary Meeting are progressing well, and an interactive agenda is being prepared. A robust Inaugural Session is planned for Monday September 7, including recognition of the ICAC Cotton Researcher of the Year, the Report of the Chair of the Standing Committee, a report from the Private Sector Advisory Panel, and the Keynote Speech by Berrye Worsham, Cotton Incorporated, on the topic of Positioning Cotton As a Solution to 21st Century Problems.

The Invitation Brochure for the 68th Plenary Meeting has been completed and will be mailed to government officials and industry representatives in the next two weeks. An electronic version of the brochure, including registration and hotel booking forms, are available on-line at www.ICAC.org.

The meeting will be held during September 7-11, 2009 in Cape Town, South Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The CTICC is a large professionally managed business and convention center fully able to accommodate all the logistical needs of the plenary meeting. A variety of hotels are within walking distance of the CTICC, and the historic Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, combining history, leisure, shopping and sightseeing is nearby.

The Secretariat of the Committee publishes information related to world cotton production, supply, demand and prices, and provides technical information on cotton production technology. Detailed statistics are found bimonthly in COTTON: Review of the World Situation, $185 per year via email, $225 per year in hard copy. A monthly outlook is available by email for $295 per year. Access to the latest weekly estimates of world cotton supply and use by the Secretariat is available on the Internet for $460 per year. Access Secretariat reports at www.icac.org.