Activities are structured to give participants a thorough understanding of the U.S. cotton industry. Participants spend approximately 35 days participating in field trips, meetings with industry leadership, NCC staff and professional development training concentrated in the following program areas:

Government Affairs:
Activities scheduled in Washington, DC, give participants an opportunity to review development and implementation of national cotton industry policies while meeting with key Congressional and Administration leadership.

Cotton & International Markets:
Seminars with Cotton Council International, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and other agencies allows participants to better understand the significance of cotton’s international markets and the importance ofexport promotion programs designed to promoteU.S.cotton fiber and manufactured cotton products in markets around the world.

Policy Development:
Participants learn how National Cotton Council members and certified interest organizations work together to develop and implement policies that affect the U.S. cotton industry. Special emphasis is placed on how the organizations serve members' needs, both on a geographic and segmental basis, and how they work with other industry groups.

Professional Development:
Participants receive specialized training in communications skills, media relations and business etiquette.

Research & Marketing:
The important role of research is highlighted through tours and discussions with both public and private scientists. Domestic and world cotton market development is explored through discussions with staff members from Cotton Incorporated, Cotton Council International and USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service.

Role of Agribusiness:
Participants gain a better understanding of the important partnership that exists between the U.S. raw cotton industry and DuPont Crop Protection. Activities give participants insight into how new technologies are transferred from the lab to production agriculture and the important role DuPont Crop Protection plays in fostering a healthy U.S. cotton economy.

U.S. Raw Cotton Industry:
Participants gain a better understanding of the cotton industry by participating in numerous tours and meetings with representatives from each of the seven cotton industry segments.