ICAC 82nd plenary meeting in Tashkent focuses on challenges facing global cotton sector

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) convened its 82nd Plenary Meeting in Tashkent on September 30, 2024. Delegates from across the cotton textile value chain gathered for the inaugural session.

Ibrokhim Y Abdurakhmonov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Agriculture, welcomed attendees, followed by HEM Ambassador Aly Toure, Chair of the ICAC Standing Committee. Toure highlighted the ICAC's efforts to attract new members, particularly from Africa, and announced the upcoming World Cotton Day celebration in Benin on October 7.

Eric Trachtenberg, ICAC Executive Director, acknowledged the challenges facing the cotton industry but emphasized its potential to alleviate poverty, empower women, and combat climate change. He outlined the ICAC's commitment to producing high-quality data, engaging with stakeholders, and promoting cotton agriculture development.

Two researchers, David Fang and Keerti Rathore, were honored with the ICAC Researcher of the Year award for their contributions to cotton fiber research. The heads of ICAC panels and committees provided updates on their activities, setting the stage for the four-day conference, themed "Global Partnerships to Promote Innovation in the Cotton and Textile Value Chains."