American Upland cotton was introduced into South Africa in 1846, but only in the past decade has the crop been of consistent economic importance. Production almost doubled from 1980 to 1986, but a yearly average of about 200,000 bales does not satisfy domestic textile requirements. U.S. cultivars account for about 60% of acreage, but new South African releases are increasing in importance. Cultivar development and production research are mostly government-sponsored. Current research mainly concerns breeding, agronomy, pathology, nematology, and entomology. Grading, pricing, and marketing are regulated through The Cotton Board, which also functions as a promotional and information agency. By unique arrangement, spinners are required to accept 80% of the domestic crop, without regard to quality.