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2	World leaders in cotton Highest yields No production or export subsidies High grade supply for fine count yarns Research programs and variety development
3	Challenges in the industry Resource security Water-use Environmental impact Chemical use Sustainability – both economic and environment
4	Responding to the challenge The “water reform” process GM cotton IPM & Area Wide Management Best Management Practices Improving the quality of Australian cotton
5	Production & Area
6	The “Water Reform” Process Environmental sustainability of the river system Implementing a system of “water rights” Making “water rights” tradable
7	Returns per megalitre
8	International water use efficiency
9	Cotton & chemicals Chemical use under scrutiny Volume of chemical use was highest relative to volume in other industries Broad-acre production
10	Impact of GM “Bt” cotton Reduction in total pesticide use of over 50% 12-14 sprays per year on conventional cotton reduced to 1-2 with Bt
11	Uptake of GM cotton Bollgard (known as Ingard) introduced in 1996 Area grown was deliberately capped 90% of growers using Bt cotton 60% of growers using RR cotton
12	Bollgard II introduction Bollgard II will be grown commercially in Australia from 2003/04. Expect 15% of area as Bollgard II. 2004/05 no restrictions on area grown
13	Integrated Pest Management GM cotton has provided a foundation for wholesale change in crop management “Beneficial” insects can survive
14	Integrated Pest Management Integrated pest management is delivering large benefits on conventional cotton
15	Area wide management Co-operation amongst all farmers at the local level Lower costs for pest control Higher profits and lower environmental impact
16	Best Management Practices (BMP) An Environmental Management System A set of industry guidelines Managing farms efficiently and sustainably BMP is a serious commitment to improve environment performance through responsible resource management
17	BMP Assists Growers to: Identify and manage risks Design farms and practices that minimise environmental impact Create safe farms and workplaces Optimise the use of land and water
18	BMP figures 82% of growers actively involved in BMP program 24% of growers representing 60% of the area grown are audited as BMP compliant growers
19	The Adoption of BMP has resulted in: A more holistic approach to pest control The use of farm chemicals in a safe and responsible manner The on-farm storage of these chemicals safely A process by which the inefficiencies can be address
20	BMP in the Future BMP beyond the farm gate Allowing the Australian Cotton Industry to deliver a quality product that meets market demands.
21	Dedicated to Quality The Australian cotton industry is a leading supplier of high quality fibre to the world market
22	Quality Clean Cotton
23	Fibre Length Consistently large volumes of 1-1/8 staple length. Usually over 80% of the crop is 1-1/8 staple Drought impact in 2003 season
24	Fibre Strength Approximately 90% of the crop is greater than 28 GPT Typically over 50% is 30 GPT and higher
25	Micronaire Measurement Ordinarily 90% of the crop is in the 3.5 – 4.9 range Drought impact on premium mic range in 2003 season
26	Uniformity of Fibre Length More than 90% above 80 percent uniformity
27	USDA Grade Eight year average 77% was Middling 31-3 and better Approx 45% is Strict Middling 21-3 and better
28	Ginning for Quality Australian cotton is known for its low contamination status Gins use the best available machinery Aim to maintain fibre quality through the gin
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33	Australian Cotton Quality Australian Cotton has a good reputation for spinning ability and producing high quality yarns Good length, strength, colour, low trash content and low (zero) contamination.
34	Mill Survey Objectives To understand, gauge and ultimately meet customer needs. Involves surveying more than 25 mills in Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and Australia.
35	Mill Survey Survey rates Australian cotton fibre on basis of 15 different properties: - Micronaire - Length - Uniformity - Contamination - Strength - Extension - Maturity - Fineness - Nep Content - Grade - Colour - Trash - Short Fibre Content - Spinning Ability - Dyeing Ability
36	Mill Survey Results Australian cotton is rated highly on the basis of its quality and consistency Australian cotton is blended & spun in wide range of yarn counts & converted into wide range of high quality end products Australian cotton has low contamination compared with other international growths
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