Grading services are an integral part of the U.S. cotton supply chain.  Cotton classing is not mandatory, rather grading is performed at the request of producers or their designees who pay a “user- fee” for the service.  Growers find third-party unbiased grading services provided by C&T essential to the fair and equitable marketing of their crop.

The Universal Cotton Standards Agreement of 1923 elevated the status of the USDA cotton standards to a fully internationally recognized standard.  Since this time, the Universal Cotton Standards have been produced and distributed by the AMS Cotton and Tobacco Program under the auspices of a delegate body made up of U.S. and international signatory delegates.

Universal Cotton Standards

• Notice to International Trade Community: Proposed Rule to Require More Businesses to be Certified USDA Organic (pdf)

The USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program began in May of 2020 and ended in May of 2021 having distributed more than 173 million food boxes of fresh produce, milk, dairy, cooked meats and seafood worth over $5 billion to Americans across the country.  The program was designed and implemented as a temporary, emergency relief effort to respond to severe market disruption caused by a global pandemic.

Why are Accurate Scales and Weights Important?

When weights are used to determine payment, accurate scales, and honest weighing, protect the seller’s right to fair value, livestock.  Using accurate scales and weights also guards the buyer’s right to equity.

Who is Responsible for Accurate Scales and Weights?