It's a pleasure for me to participate in the 1983 Beltwide Cotton Production-mechanization Conference. I also bring you the personal greetings of Secretary Block, who extends his very best wishes for a successful conference.

The subject of my remarks today--research, extension and education in the U. S. Department of Agriculture-has been an integral part of the history of the National Cotton Council. The Council has a long tradition of support for agricultural research that encourages the marketing of quality products and improving the efficiency of cotton production. Cotton is the fourth leading crop based on farm value and the leading crop based on retail value of all crops harvested in this country. it has a vital role in the domestic economy and in the country's export trade. Cotton is a renewable resource and probably provides the most energy efficient method of producing fiber. Unquestionably, a viable cotton industry is an important part of the U.S. economy.