BY THE end of last year the 2013-14 cotton-growing season was shaping up to be a fair one, although not without its challenges.
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The same can be said for 2014 for Cotton Australia and here's a taste of what the coming year will bring.
The Australian government has promised an extra $100 million towards research and development funding.
Cotton Australia will work with the government and partner organisations, such as the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), to make sure funding finds its way to projects that will give growers the most bang for their buck.
The political environment has changed a great deal in the past year, and will continue to evolve throughout the next 12 months.
Cotton Australia is in the thick of it, negotiating with a new federal government while supporting key stakeholders such as the National Farmers Federation (NFF), which is under the new leadership of president Brent Finlay.
Our efforts in this area are already paying dividends, with Cotton Australia working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and NFF on crucial trade agreements.
In 2013 Cotton Australia did a lot of work to engage international brands, manufacturers, allies and affiliates to begin building Australian cotton's position in the world market.
In 2014 that groundwork will be transformed with the launch of the "Cotton To Market" global marketing project, which combines our work on the Cotton LEADS and Better Cotton Initiative programs with direct and indirect marketing initiatives to overseas manufacturers and brands.
This is a milestone event for Australia's cotton industry and there should be more information on this throughout the year.
This year is the year for best management practices.
Last year was a milestone year for myBMP, the industry's best management practices system.
The system was streamlined, new modules and important content were added, and Cotton Australia regional managers have worked hard to make it easy for growers to participate.
The world market is starting to demand more environmentally friendly, responsibly grown fibres, and myBMP is the best mechanism for Australian cotton growers to meet that demand.
Cotton Australia will be working hard in the coming year to get even more growers participating and on their way to accredited growing practices.
Last year Cotton Australia, the CRDC and Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) joined forces to create the five-year, $9.3m CottonInfo campaign to advance research development and delivery.
In 2013 the team of CottonInfo regional development officers were deployed to key cotton-growing areas, and in 2014 the team - supported by its founding partner organisations - will improve the delivery of practical research and development outcomes to growers.
Cotton Australia, through its research panels, also guides the CRDC in selecting research projects.
This year the Queensland government will decide whether local management of SunWater's channel irrigation schemes should proceed.
Cotton Australia has been heavily involved in the process to establish interim boards for each of the eight schemes, encouraging growers in the St George, Emerald and Theodore districts to put their hands up for board positions.
The decision on local management is a crucial one given the importance of reliable water supplies to successful cotton production, and Cotton Australia will monitor developments.
Held every two years, the next Australian Cotton Conference will be held at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast from August 5 to 7.
The 2012 conference included guest speakers Todd Sampson and Dr Rosie King.
The 2014 conference will be an opportunity for growers to learn about the latest advances in research and technology, exchange ideas and network with colleagues.
I wish all growers the very best for the coming season, and encourage you to reach out to Cotton Australia's regional managers, or myself, with any queries, concerns or feedback you might have about the issues raised here.
Adam Kay is chief executive of Cotton Australia.
