The historical drought seen in 2022 has affected producers and infrastructure alike, which is why Plains Cotton Growers (PCG) Inc. has been working with Congress and other allied organizations, such as Texas Farm Bureau, to request funding in the fiscal year (FY) 2023 spending package to address producer and infrastructure needs.
With counsel from PCG CEO Kody Bessent, Representatives Ronny Jackson, Jodey Arrington and August Pfluger sent a letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leadership requesting an inclusion of the Emergency Relief Program funding for the 2022 crop year and an allocation of funding for cotton infrastructure segments.
The letter was signed by 11 other congressional members: Kevin Brady, Pete Sessions, Henry Cuellar, Louie Gohmert, Vicente Gonzalez, Michael Cloud, Lance Gooden, Troy Nehls, Pat Fallon, Jake Ellzey and Brian Babin.
“PCG fully supports the request for an extension of ERP funding for 2022 for cotton producers and the allocation of adequate assistance to cotton infrastructure segments to help mitigate the economic challenges they continue to face,” Bessent added. “Texas has been plagued by one of the most catastrophic droughts on record in 2022, which has had a detrimental effect on our cotton producers and infrastructure segments.
“PCG fully supports and appreciates the bipartisan effort led by Representatives Jackson, Arrington and Pfluger, along with additional House and Senate members, acknowledging the challenges faced by the cotton industry. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure these key initiatives are addressed in the upcoming FY 2023 spending package.” Congress will unveil the FY 2023 spending package next week, as well as make a decision on allocation of assistance to cotton producers and infrastructure for the 2022 crop year.