Scott, Mississippi
March 16, 2007
The positive contribution made by
two million U.S. farmers in providing Americans the food and
fiber so critical to our economy and culture is recognized with
National Agriculture Week March 18 through 23, 2007. The farmers
and the industry that supports them are so efficient that very
few Americans ever think about the origin of the products sold
at our local markets. But these crops are part of daily life for
most Americans. To heighten awareness in the contribution of
cotton specifically, Delta
and Pine Land Company and the
National Cotton Council have
initiated a grass roots initiative.
“Cotton is a key crop throughout
the South and people want to help carry that message to the ag
industry and the general public,” says Randy Dismuke, D&PL
senior vice president for US business. “For ag week, we created
small fact cards that explain how cotton is part of our lives.
The cards are a visible way to backup the work of the Council by
extending our message through hundreds of volunteers.”
Employees of the two organizations
– as well as those of business partners – will distribute cards
as they go through their daily lives – both at work and during
their personal time. For instance, people reported handing them
out at baseball games, local stores and banks in 2006.
“Our people had a good time
increasing awareness of the cotton industry during our campaign
last year,” says Dismuke. “The cards are a conversation starter
for some of us and the message is accessible. We have a simple
concept that people can understand and brings a smile to our
faces. There are numerous organizations and businesses in the
Cotton Belt that want to help sing the praises of the farmers in
their communities. We want to help them realize that potential.”
The cards raise the question “Who
would want to live in Polyester?” and include an illustration of
the sign that welcomes people to the community of “Cotton.
Population 6 billion and growing.” Facts on the card indicate
“Everybody Lives in Cotton” and point out:
- American women own an
average of 15 denim garments – half of those are jeans!
- Cotton towels are most
popular – one reason is that cotton can absorb up to 27
times its own weight in water!
- A pair of jeans can cost
from $35 to more than $100 – the farmer who grew the cotton
only gets about 50 cents!
- Cotton is the single
best-selling fiber in America today, outselling all man-made
fibers combined.
- Cotton products can
include anti-microbial technology, stain resistance, wicking
for moisture control and UV protection.
For more information on National
Agriculture Week (March 18 through 24, 2006) and National Ag Day
(March 20), please see the official Ag Day website (www.agday.org).
Delta and Pine Land Company is
a leading commercial breeder, producer and marketer of cotton
planting seed. Headquartered in Scott, Mississippi, with
multiple offices in eight states and facilities in several
foreign countries, D&PL also breeds, produces and markets
soybean planting seed in the U.S. For more information, please
refer to the Company’s Web site at
http://www.deltaandpine.com. |
