AMS No. 037-09

Sam Jones (202)720-8998

Samuel.jones@ams.usda.gov

Billy Cox (202)720-8998

Billy.cox@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2009 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the China Fiber Inspection Bureau (CFIB) to establish a framework for collaboration on cotton classification methods and standards.

“This MOU is important to U.S. cotton farmers because it formalizes a working relationship between the United States and China. It will create uniformity between the two countries’ cotton classification systems that will assist in the importation of U.S. cotton into China,” said David Shipman, Acting Administrator of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

CFIB is the Chinese government agency that is responsible for overseeing domestic cotton classification in China. In 2005, a decision was made in China to reform the Chinese cotton classification system from a system of traditional manual classification to a system based primarily on instrument-based measurements, much like the system already in place at USDA. CFIB recognized the benefits of instrument-based cotton classification and standardization and reached out to USDA for help in making the transition in China. This reform has created an opportunity for USDA to assist the U.S. cotton industry by promoting the highly standardized U.S. cotton classing system to its largest cotton export customer. This will facilitate the long- term marketing of U.S. cotton into China.

Mr. Lu Yang and Mr. Xiaoxin Yu, CFIB officials, came to Washington to participate in the signing ceremony. David Shipman, Acting Administrator for AMS, and Darryl Earnest, Deputy Administrator for AMS Cotton and Tobacco Programs, signed on behalf of USDA.

The MOU will provide a valuable partnership between the United States and China on cotton trade issues, including regular technical meetings, information exchanges, project collaboration, cotton testing round trials and training opportunities.