Contamination has been a long time problem in the cotton industry. Even though the types of contaminants have changed over the years, the effect of degrading finished fabrics is the same. Increased reports of contamination initiated a renewed National Cotton Council effort to educate growers and ginners about contamination. Activities included mass mailings to gins and gin associations of brochures, posters, videos, flyers and a mini-display which was the highlight of the 1997-98 education program. Other activities included staff presentations at three gin schools, nine regional meetings, several individual gin meetings and co-operative meetings. A booth covering contamination was displayed at meetings in the four Cotton Belt regions. Radio reports and news releases were an added aspect of the Council's education. Many of these activities will continue in future years along with new activites. The U.S. cotton industry is on a path of reducing contamination and raising the quality of home-grown cotton.