2016
2016 NCC Election Overview12/30/2016
The NCC prepared an updated, full summary of the Presidential election, Administration transition update and updated House and Senate leadership as well as key Committee leadership. Learn more
NCC Seeks Malathion Comment Extension
11/11/2016
The National Cotton Council, along with a number of cotton producer interest organizations and boll weevil eradication foundations, submitted comments to EPA on its “Draft Malathion Human Health Assessment” requesting the agency to extend the comment period an additional 60 days from the announced deadline of November 21, 2016. Learn more
NCC Comments on Biotechnology Regulation Proposal
11/03/2016
On September 22, 2016, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy published a document titled, “Clarifying Current Roles and Responsibilities Described in the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology” which asked commenters to respond to any or all of four questions. Learn more
NCC Comments on Estate Tax Proposal
11/03/2016
The National Cotton Council filed comments on a draft IRS regulation change for Section 2704 of the estate tax law that sought to eliminate a valuation exception that occurs when someone dies who has made estate planning decisions within the prior three years. Learn more
Overtime Rule Measure Lauded in Letter (277k pdf)
10/17/2016
The NCC, along with more than 200 other national, state and local organizations across various industries, cosigned a letter to Sen. Alexander (R-TN), chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, thanking him for introducing important legislation, the Overtime Reform and Review Act (S. 3464), that would provide significant relief from the negative impacts of the Department of Labor’s final overtime rule. Learn more
Immigration and Nationality Act Rulemaking Comments Submitted
10/14/2016
The National Cotton Council and National Cotton Ginners Association submitted comments to the Department of Justice regarding its notice of proposed rulemaking on the “Standards and Procedures for the Enforcement of the Immigration and Nationality Act.” The proposed rule threatens to impose penalties on employers far beyond what Congress ever intended or how the underlying statute has ever been applied. Learn more
Biotech Education Funding Supported (99k pdf)
10/07/2016
The NCC, along with other agriculture organizations, cosigned a letter that was sent to the chairman and ranking member of both the House and Senate appropriations committees expressing support for the $3 million in funding designated to better inform the public about the application of biotechnology to food and fiber production. <br /><br /> Learn more
NCC’s Comments Support Glyphosate
10/07/2016
In comments submitted to EPA, the NCC reiterated its strong support for the re-registration of glyphosate stating that cotton tolerant to herbicides such as glyphosate has “revolutionized” cotton production. Learn more
Coalition Letter Opposes Treasury's Proposal Regarding Estate Taxes (3mb pdf)
09/29/2016
The Family Business Coalition, of which the NCC is a member, sent a letter signed by 119 organizations to Treasury Secretary Lew opposing the Treasury Department’s proposed changes regarding Section 2704 on estate and gift tax valuation discounts. Learn more
Senators Oppose Treasury Proposal On Estate Taxes (1 mb pdf)
09/29/2016
A Sept. 29 letter signed by 41 Senators to Treasury Secretary Lew urges the withdrawal of a proposal regarding Section 2704 on estate and gift tax valuation discounts.<br /><br /> Learn more
NCC Comments on EPA's Proposal “Guidance for Pesticide Registrants on Pesticide Resistance Management Labeling.”
09/02/2016
The NCC submitted comments on EPA's “Guidance for Pesticide Registrants on Pesticide Resistance Management Labeling” proposal. Learn more
NCC Comments On EPA’s Proposed “Guidance for Herbicide Resistance Management, Labeling, Education, Training, and Stewardship
09/02/2016
The NCC submitted Comments on EPA’s Proposed “Guidance for Herbicide Resistance Management, Labeling, Education, Training, and Stewardship. Learn more
Rulemaking Notice Issued on Estate Tax (249k pdf)
08/19/2016
The Internal Revenue Service recently issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Public Hearing regarding the proposed limitations of valuation discounts that reduce the overall value of assets currently available to family-owned businesses which in turn lowers an individual’s estate and gift tax liability at death. Learn more
ELS Calculation Action Sought (78k pdf)
08/12/2016
Reps. Costa (D-CA) and Valadao (R-CA) initiated an Aug. 5 letter to Agriculture Secretary Vilsack regarding price quotes used in the Extra Long Staple (ELS) Cotton Competitiveness Program. Learn more
Letter Urges Port Stability (185k pdf)
08/12/2016
The NCC joined 127 other groups representing wholesalers, retailers, importers, exporters, distributors, transportation and logistics providers, and other supply chain stakeholders on a letter encouraging the ILWU and PMA to begin early discussions on either a contract extension or a new contract to ensure stability and predictability at West Coast ports. Learn more
Comments Submitted on Permitting Program (598k pdf)
08/05/2016
The NCC joined other members of the Waters Advocacy Coalition on comments to the Army Corps of Engineers’ proposal to Reissue and Modify Nationwide Permits. Learn more
Ag Groups Respond to NPDES Proposal (188k pdf)
08/05/2016
The NCC joined with other agricultural community members on comments to EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management on the agency’s proposed revisions to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations published on May 18, 2016. Learn more
Position Limits Rulemaking Comments Submitted (243k pdf)
07/22/2016
The NCC, AMCOT and the American Cotton Shippers Association filed a joint comment letter with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in response to the CFTC’s supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking on position limits. Learn more
Ag Groups Show GMO Bill Support (256k pdf)
07/01/2016
The NCC, along with more than 1,000 other agriculture organizations, signed on to a letter expressing support for the bill drafted by Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee Chairman Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Stabenow (D-MI) on biotech labeling. Learn more
Letter Seeks Meeting On Biomass Sustainability Discussion (253k pdf)
07/01/2016
Seven Senators wrote to EPA Administrator McCarthy requesting a meeting to discuss the issue of biomass sustainability and how EPA will determine the level of biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the processing of agricultural feedstocks for food, fiber, and fuel. Learn more
NCC Submits Aldicarb Comments
07/01/2016
The NCC submitted comments on June 27, '16, to EPA on the agency’s draft human health and ecological risk assessment for aldicarb and urged EPA to refine the risk assessment to reflect the appropriate biological information of the product. Learn more
NCC Submits Thidiazuron Comments
06/24/2016
The NCC submitted comments to EPA on June 20, '16 on the agency's proposed interim decision for registration of the defoliant Thidiazuron and urged EPA to ensure the risk assessment reflects real world scenarios rather than overstating the presence of pollinators in a precautionary manner. Learn more
FSA Issues Gin Cost-Share Program Notice (1m pdf)
06/17/2016
On June 17, '16, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) issued Notice CN-1057 – “Cotton Ginning Cost-Share (CGCS) Program for 2015 Cotton Crop” – to all FSA state and county offices in cotton producing regions. The notice contains additional program sign-up and payment details. Learn more
NCC Submits Sulfoxaflor Comments
06/17/2016
On June 17, '16, the NCC submitted comments to EPA on their proposed registration for sulfoxaflor and urged the agency to reconsider the proposed decision that removes cotton and other crops from the Section 3 label. Learn more
Letter Conveys NCC's Support of Tax Code Change
06/17/2016
The NCC sent a letter to Rep. Abraham (R-LA) conveying support for his introduction of the Fairness for Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Act that would make permanent a provision in the tax code to shorten the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System depreciation schedule for farm equipment from seven to five years. Learn more
NCC Submits Comments to EPA on Fluometuron
06/10/2016
The NCC submitted separate comments on three crop protection products currently under review by EPA, including fluometuron (cotoran). Learn more
NCC Submits Comments to EPA on Malathion
06/10/2016
The NCC submitted separate comments on three crop protection products currently under review by EPA, including malathion. Learn more
NCC Submits Comments to EPA On Chlorpyrifos
06/10/2016
The NCC submitted separate comments on chlorpyrifos and two other crop protection products currently under review by EPA. Learn more
Letter Supports No Berry Amendment Weakening (516k pdf)
06/10/2016
The National Cotton Council, the National Council of Textile Organizations and 13 other organizations sent a letter the week of June 6, '16 to the Senate supporting Sen. Graham’s (R-SC) FY17 National Defense Authorization Act amendment that would ensure no weakening of the Berry Amendment, which has required the Dept. of Defense to purchase US-made and US-content textile and apparel and other specialty products. Learn more
Senate Urged To Pass TSCA Reform Legislation (229k pdf)
06/03/2016
The National Cotton Council and National Council of Textile Organizations joined with other organizations on a May 24 letter to Senators urging them to pass legislation (as did the House) reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act. Learn more
Letter Urges House TSCA Reform Bill Passage (196k pdf)
06/03/2016
The NCC, National Council of Textile Organizations and 133 other organizations sent a May 24 letter to Representatives urging House approval of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (FRL-21) -- which they later passed by a 403-12 vote. Learn more
NCC Comments on Dicamba Label Approval
05/27/2016
The NCC, on May 26, '16, submitted comments on EPA’s notice, “Dicamba: New Use on Herbicide-Tolerant Cotton and Soybeans.” Learn more
DOL Issues Final Rule on Overtime (2mb pdf)
05/26/2016
The Labor Department published on May 23, '16, a final rule that updates the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime regulations regarding the executive, administrative and professional exemptions. Learn more
DOL Overtime Final Rule Summary/Overview (104k pdf)
05/26/2016
The Dept. of Labor provided an overview/summary of its final rule on Fair Labor Standards Act overtime regulations on May 23, '16. Learn more
EPA's Proposed Registration Decision For Sulfoxaflor (pdf)
05/20/2016
EPA announced the release of documentation proposing registration of sulfoxaflor (previously recognized by the tradename Transform®) for use on agricultural crops, ornamentals, and turf. Learn more
NCC Comments On Sulfoxaflor Section 18 Exemptions
05/20/2016
The NCC submitted comments on May 18 in support of Section 18 emergency exemptions from EPA for the use of sulfoxaflor on cotton to control plant bugs during the ’16 growing season. Learn more
Timely Sulfoxaflor Use Determination Urged (246k pdf)
05/13/2016
Sens. Cochran (R-MS), Inhofe (R-OK) and Wicker (R-MS) sent a letter to EPA Administrator McCarthy asking the agency to move swiftly on making a determination for emergency use requests of sulfoxaflor (Transform) for cotton. Learn more
Letter Seeks Deadline Extension on Actively Engaged Requirement (132k pdf)
05/11/2016
The NCC joined with other organizations on a May 11 letter to Agriculture Secretary Vilsack seeking an extension from the June 1, '16 deadline for producers to file any status changes within a farm structure with the Farm Service Agency. Learn more
Concerns On Short Comment Period Relayed (199k pdf)
05/11/2016
The NCC joined with 38 other organizations on a letter to EPA's Office of Pesticides Programs expressing concern with the agency's opening of only a 60-day comment period for the stakeholder community to provide meaningful input on the Draft Biological Evaluations of Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon and Malathion -- three critical organophosphates. Learn more
Production Cost Factors Highlighted
05/06/2016
The NCC submitted a statement to be included in the record for the recent hearing of the House Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research on the factors affecting producers' production costs. Learn more
Berry Amendment Protections Defended (496k pdf)
04/28/2016
The NCC, National Council of Textile Organizations and ten other groups joined onto an April 26 letter to House Armed Services Committee members in support of an amendment sponsored by Rep. Jones (R-NC) to restore the original threshold for the Berry Amendment. Learn more
NCC Comments on EIS Notice Regarding GE Organisms
04/22/2016
The National Cotton Council submitted comments to USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service on its Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in connection with potential changes to regulations regarding certain genetically engineered organisms. Learn more
Letter Supports Ag Biotech Educational Funding (97k pdf)
04/22/2016
The National Cotton Council joined other agriculture organizations on a letter to House Appropriations Committee members in support of an appropriations bill provision that would provide $3 million to USDA and FDA to promote the understanding and acceptance of agricultural biotechnology. Learn more
Support Conveyed For Ozone Standards Bill (188k pdf)
04/21/2016
The NCC joined a diverse group of more than 200 organizations on a letter of support for the “Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2016” (H.R. 4775), a bill introduced by Rep. Olson (R-TX). Learn more
Actively Engaged Management Regulation — Questions and Answers (Information Only) (796k pdf)
04/19/2016
This document is aimed at helping NCC members more thoroughly understand the actively engaged rule. Learn more
Ag Groups' Letter Ask EPA to Postpone SAP Meeting (217k pdf)
04/15/2016
The NCC, along with 42 other agriculture organizations, sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy on April 13 requesting a postponement of the agency’s planned Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) meeting, currently scheduled for April 19-21, until there is appropriate attention given to the scientific validity of the studies and data that EPA plans to use in its assessment. Learn more
NCC Joins Onto Letter Supporting CFTC Reauthorization (156k pdf)
04/15/2016
The NCC joined 23 other organizations on an April 12 letter to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee in support of the “Commodity End User Relief Act” to reauthorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Learn more
NCC Comments on EPA's Draft “Pollinator Ecological Risk Assessment: Imidacloprid Registration Review”
04/14/2016
On April 14, '16, the NCC filed comments with EPA on the agency's draft “Pollinator Ecological Risk Assessment: Imidacloprid Registration Review.” The NCC reiterated the importance of the neonicotinoid chemistry for control of piercing, sucking pests, and urges the EPA to recognize the limited chemistries that provide control of these pests. Learn more
Crop Reporting Initiative Completion Urged (105k pdf)
04/01/2016
The NCC joined other commodity groups on a letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack urging completion of the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative. Learn more
Ag Sustainability’s Importance Conveyed (163k pdf)
03/24/2016
The NCC, working with other agriculture organizations in the Biogenic CO2 Coalition, sent a letter to Congressional Members urging them to contact EPA and express their support for American agriculture as a provider of 21st century solutions in the form of bioenergy, biofuels and bioproducts. Learn more
Senators' Letter Conveys Turkish Investigation Concerns (329k pdf)
03/18/2016
Eight Senators joined onto a letter to USTR Ambassador Froman and Commerce Secretary Pritzker urging them to bring up concerns with the Turkish government's disclosure report on the US cotton anti-dumping investigation during an upcoming WTO trade review session. Learn more
Appropriations Committees' Leaders Urged To Protect Crop Insurance (83k pdf)
03/18/2016
The NCC joined with other agricultural organizations on a letter to the House and Senate agriculture appropriations committee chairs and ranking members urging them to protect crop insurance and recognize its central importance to farmers, lenders and all of rural America. Learn more
NCC Signs Onto Letter Regarding Container Weight Amendment (203k pdf)
03/17/2016
The NCC joined with 48 other associations representing agriculture, forest products, manufacturing, recycling industries and others on a March 14 letter to US Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Paul F. Zukunft conveying support of the Coast Guard’s interpretation of the container weight amendment to the Safety Of Life At Sea Convention (2014) and appreciation for Rear Admiral Thomas’ interest in balancing the need to assure safety at marine terminals and on ships, while allowing cargo to move into and through US marine terminals without disruption and delay, and to enable US exports to be globally competitive. Learn more
Coalition Comments on NPDES Proposal
03/11/2016
The Pesticide Policy Coalition (PPC), of which the NCC is a member, submitted comments in a letter to EPA on their proposed reissuance of its five-year National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Pesticide General Permit. Learn more
Letter Seeks Budget Preservation (122k pdf)
03/11/2016
The NCC joined more than 250 other organizations representing the agriculture, nutrition, conservation, rural development, finance, forestry, energy, trade, local government, labor, equipment manufacturing and crop insurance sectors on a letter to the House and Senate budget and appropriations committees chairmen and ranking members urging rejection of calls for additional cuts to programs within the jurisdiction of the Senate and House agriculture committees. Learn more
FSA Notice Issued Regarding Certs Availability (648k pdf)
03/08/2016
USDA's Farm Service Agency posted notice CN 1054 which includes a copy of letter sent to cotton producers about availability of commodity certificate exchanges (CCE) and the required form to sign for 2015 crop loans and additional CCC-694-2 filing instructions and CCE registers. The letter provides producers with basic information about CCE’s and instructs them to contact their MAL disbursement office for additional CCE information. Learn more
Letter Expresses Ag Groups WPS Concerns
03/04/2016
The NCC joined with other commodity and agricultural groups on a letter in early March to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Conaway (R-TX) and Ranking Member Peterson (D-MN) expressing the agricultural industry’s concerns with EPA’s new Worker Protection Standards. Learn more
Uniform GMO Labeling Solution Urged (131k pdf)
02/26/2016
The NCC joined with numerous other commodity, agricultural and food industry organizations on a letter thanking Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairman Roberts (R-KS) for his leadership on developing a uniform solution to biotech labeling. Learn more
Letter Asks For Crop Insurance Preservation (84k pdf)
02/26/2016
The NCC joined a coalition of commodity, conservation, crop insurance and lending associations on a letter to the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Budget committees urging them to protect crop insurance. Learn more
NCC Files Comments With EPA Regarding Three Important Chemical Crop Inputs
02/24/2016
In response to EPA's Sept. 25, 2015 Federal Register notice, the NCC provided comments regarding the importance of tribufos as a critical harvest management product, dimethoate and dicrotophos as important insect management products. Learn more
Letter Asks That Freight Rail Customers’ Concerns Be Addressed (91k pdf)
02/19/2016
The NCC joined the Rail Customer Coalition on a letter to the Surface Transportation Board urging the Board to follow the direction of Congress and implement a set of new reforms that were included in S. 808 without delay. Learn more
Letter Seeks Extension on Biotech Regulations Comments (201k pdf)
02/19/2016
The NCC, along with other agriculture organizations, sent a letter to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requesting a 60-day extension on the comment period for APHIS’ Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement in connection with changes to the agency’s biotechnology regulations. Learn more
Budget Views/Estimates Letter Approved (24k pdf)
02/04/2016
The House Agriculture Committee unanimously approved its FY17 Budget Views and Estimates Letter, which was sent to the House Budget Committee. Learn more
Letter Expresses Concerns With EPA Actions (224k pdf)
01/22/2016
The NCC, along with other agriculture organizations, sent a letter to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Conaway (R-TX) and Ranking Member Peterson (D-MN) highlighting concerns with EPA actions. Learn more
NCC Comments Regarding Pesticide Applicator Certification
01/22/2016
NCC comments to EPA's proposed changes for Certification of Pesticide Applicators opposed most of the proposed changes noting that EPA provided no justification nor demonstrated any deficiencies in the current process and that the proposed changes would add tremendous cost and burden on state budgets because the state regulatory agencies are tasked with the training and enforcement. Learn more
Flammability Test Methods Comments Submitted
01/07/2016
AHFA submitted comments regarding flammability Learn more
AHFA Comments To California Dept. of Toxic Substances Control (171k pdf)
01/07/2016
The American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA), representing a coalition including the NCC, submitted comments regarding the California Dept. of Toxic Substances Control’s methodology to screen for flame retardant chemicals in upholstered furniture in accordance with the requirements contained in California S.B. 1019. Learn more
Flammability Test Methods Comments Submitted (859k pdf)
01/07/2016
The American Home Furnishings Alliance, representing a coalition including the NCC, submitted comments to the National Fire Protection Assoc. (NFPA) regarding NFPA’s development of a new standard for evaluating fire and ignition resistance of upholstered furniture. Learn more
Senators' Letter Presses Cottonseed Designation Request (431k pdf)
01/05/2016
Nineteen Senators signed onto a January 4 letter to Agriculture Secretary Vilsack urging him to designate cottonseed as an ‘other oilseed’ as a means to bring some “much needed stability and support to cotton producers and the broader cotton industry.” Learn more