Cotton Coalition Pushes BACA in House

Core Viewpoint - A coalition led by the National Cotton Council is advocating for the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA), which aims to prioritize U.S.-grown cotton in federal textile and apparel procurement, thereby enhancing domestic sourcing rules. Group 1: Legislative Support - The BACA bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Greg Murphy and Terri Sewell, and it seeks to tighten domestic sourcing rules similar to the Berry Amendment [1] - A letter dated February 24 urges lawmakers to support the legislation, highlighting a bipartisan effort to boost U.S. cotton consumption [2] - The bill is seen as a means to strengthen the American cotton supply chain from farm to retail, reinforcing domestic production while supporting various stakeholders [2] Group 2: Industry Participation - The coalition comprises 78 organizations from agriculture, manufacturing, and retail, including major brands like Gap, Levi's, and Target, as well as state-level and commodity-backed groups [3] - The U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) supports the initiative, emphasizing the collaboration between fashion brands and cotton producers [4] - VS&Co. has been directly partnering with U.S. farmers since 2021, showcasing a commitment to sourcing cotton from American family farms [4][5] Group 3: Economic Impact - The initiative is expected to stimulate demand for U.S. cotton, support farmers, encourage investment in U.S. textile mills, and create jobs domestically [2] - A spokesperson from a major company noted that over one-third of its annual cotton consumption is sourced from family farms across the U.S., indicating a strong commitment to American agriculture [5]