Cotton Australia is the peak body for Australia’s cotton growers, representing up to 1,500 cotton farms mainly in New South Wales and Queensland, but also in northern Victoria, and in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Cotton Australia works with growers and stakeholders to ensure the Australian cotton industry remains viable, valued and advanced.

Cotton Australia supports the Australian cotton industry to be world-competitive, sustainable and valued by the community. It drives the industry’s strategic direction, retains a strong focus on research and development, promotes the strengths of the industry, reports its environmental credentials and implements policy objectives.

Cotton Australia’s advocacy work starts in the field, listening to the concerns of growers. These messages are developed into formal industry positions, which are then advocated to policy makers and regulators at all levels of government.

A team of full-time and part-time staff located in cotton regions support growers at a local level on a range of issues and activities, act as a referral service, and assist growers in excelling at cotton production.

The myBMP program is led by Cotton Australia and is a practical, on-farm management tool enabling growers to be efficient and sustainable. The cross-industry BMP Office is located in Toowoomba and supports growers involved in myBMP.

Cotton Australia provides ongoing advice to the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) on research projects funded by the cotton R&D levy and matched by the Australian Government. This feedback is formally provided on all current and new research proposals through Cotton Australia’s four advisory panels – Farming Systems, Biosecurity and Stewardship, Customers, People.

Cotton Australia promotes the Australian cotton industry through strategic communications activities and a dedicated education program. The organisation is also responsible for keeping growers informed of industry issues.

Cotton Australia is the industry participant in the national biosecurity framework. This includes representation and involvement in national debate, policy development and implementation, prioritisation of resources, and decision making.

The Australian cotton industry plays an active role in the communities where cotton is grown, and works with a number of community organisations. Cotton Australia also participates in numerous leadership, development and engagement forums.

The cotton industry is well represented by Cotton Australia Directors, staff and cotton growers in a number of critical industry and agricultural forums.

Advisory Panels

Cotton Australia's Advisory Panels provide feedback and advice to the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) on grower priorities for research and development investments. To facilitate detailed understanding, Cotton Australia has four advisory panels that focus on the CRDC's core areas of business.

TIMS Committee

Cotton Australia facilitates the Transgenic and Insect Management Strategies Committee. Its main role is the development, review and oversight of the Australian cotton industry's Insect, Herbicide and Bt Resistance Management Strategies.

Biosecurity Group

This group meets annually to discuss current industry biosecurity issues and to make sure that the cotton industry’s responsibilities under the Emergency Plant Pest Response (EPPR) Deed are met each year.

Cotton Australia’s advocacy work often revolves around partnerships with other affiliate organisations in the agricultural sector. Together, issues are debated and policies and submissions are developed and presented to government.

Cotton Australia also leverages a number of memberships to ensure that cotton growers have a voice in these important agricultural policy forums.