World Cotton Day celebrated

The inaugural World Cotton Day was celebrated this week with many in the North West sharing their favouirte cotton photos on social media using the hashtags #WorldCottonDay and #ISupportAussieCotton.

On October 7, Narrabri’s Jess Lehmann shared the below caption and photos of her family:
“#WorldCottonDay My Dad Chris Lehmann was the 1st independent cotton consultant in Australia & my grandpa Vic Melbourne is one of the first pioneers to farm cotton in North West, NSW in the 1960s. Thank you to past and present who work hard to produce the food you eat and the clothes you wear.”

Jess Lehmann also paid tribute to her late father Chris Lehmann, the first independent cotton consultant in Australia. Jess Lehmann also paid tribute to her late father Chris Lehmann, the first independent cotton consultant in Australia.

Jess Lehmann shared this photo of her grandfather Vic Melbourne on World Cotton Day. She recognised Mr Melbourne as one of the first pioneers to farm cotton in the North West. Jess Lehmann shared this photo of her grandfather Vic Melbourne on World Cotton Day. She recognised Mr Melbourne as one of the first pioneers to farm cotton in the North West.

Cotton Australia said the inaugural day follows an official application by the World Trade Organisation for the recognition of a World Cotton Day by the United Nations General Assembly, reflecting the importance of cotton as a global commodity.

Cotton Australia chief executive Adam Kay said that in an average year, Australia produces enough cotton to clothe 500 million people around the world.

“Cotton is one of Australia’s agricultural success stories that has led to the efficient, responsible and modern industry we have today,” said Mr Kay.

“Australian cotton growers produce some of the highest quality, highest yielding upland cotton in the world, and are supported by leading scientists and researchers.

“World Cotton Day is a valuable opportunity for communities across the globe to recognise our industry’s efficient and effective farm management practices, acknowledge our achievements in sustainability and congratulate the industry for the work it does in keeping cotton at the cutting edge of agriculture,” said Mr Kay.

Cotton Australia chair and St George grower Hamish McIntyre said Australian growers were ‘resilient, innovative and adaptable’.

“The Australian cotton industry is one of the most advanced in the world, using fewer natural resources than ever before to produce a high-quality crop that is second to none,” said Mr McIntyre.

“This year has been challenging for the cotton industry.

“The 2019-2020 Australian crop is forecast to be only a quarter of the size it was two years ago, due to the effects of drought and reduced water allocations,” said Mr McIntyre.

National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson said the Australian cotton industry is a ‘dynamic and engaged’ agricultural industry.

“The Australian cotton industry is relatively small in comparison to other countries, but its influence and contributions are huge in scale, both in terms of its value to Australia as a commodity and for the social and economic benefits it brings to the communities in which cotton is grown,” said Ms Simson.

“The Australian cotton industry is a world-leader and should be proud of its achievements, improvements and efficiencies over the past 40 years.”