By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins was in Marana on Thursday, May 28, to announce a new plan for cotton production aimed at helping farmers and ranchers nationwide.
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Rollins announced the Department’s Great American Cotton Plan, which is meant to increase American cotton production and reinstate the U.S. as the world’s top cotton exporter.
She said she came to Marana to make the announcement because of the town and Arizona’s position as a leader in the country’s agriculture and cotton industry.
The plan is composed of four pillars: promoting domestic cotton consumption, providing affordable cotton by increasing domestic demand and production, improving cotton trade, and protecting cotton growers from adverse risks.
“Taken together, the actions under these four pillars will make our cotton supply stronger, more affordable, and more secure,” Rollins said.
The announcement comes after the cotton industry was “hit hard,” according to Rollins, in recent years. The U.S. dropped from the top spot worldwide in cotton exports in 2023.
Daniel Pacheco, a third-generation cotton farmer, started working on his family’s farm at 8 years old and never stopped.
“I’ve been a cotton farmer since I was born, basically,” Pacheco said.
“Cottonseed is used in making cooking oils; the fiber is used for clothing, sheeting, towels, linens, whatever,” he said.
Pacheco said he is excited about Rollins’ visit to discuss the plan.
Rep. Juan Ciscomani joined Rollins in a roundtable with local farmers to make the announcement. He said many farmers have concerns, especially related to Arizona’s Colorado River allotment.
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“Practically everybody that spoke at this roundtable touched on water. It is our lifeline and how we operate in every single sense,” Ciscomani said.
When asked how farmers in southern Arizona would implement the USDA’s cotton plan with limited water, Rollins said more discussions need to be had.
“Hearing first hand how important this is, how scary it is. My commitment to the farmers and ranchers at this roundtable is that I’m gonna go back to Washington and really lean in for the farmers and ranchers of this state and get more involved,” Rollins said.
Pacheco said water is not the only concern he faces as a longtime cotton farmer.
“The main thing we’re facing right now is low commodity prices while all of our inputs have gotten more and more expensive. It’s getting to the point where our margins of profit are almost nonexistent,” he said.
He said that is exactly why a cotton plan like the one the USDA is rolling out is necessary. He thinks it could have a real positive effect on farmers and ranchers in southern Arizona.
Local farmers said they shared their contact information with the secretary and hope the roundtable was just the start of conversations with the Cabinet about farming in Arizona.
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