USCTP: Fashion and textiles industry keen to go green despite COVID-19 pandemic

Memphis, TN — New research reveals the extent of the global fashion industry’s commitment to sustainability, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with sustainability ranked as the second most important strategic objective for businesses in the sector[i].

The new research, from the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol and the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), is based on a survey of 150 leading executives from top fashion, retail and textile business across Europe and the US, and interviews with leading brands like Puma, H&M and Adidas. Explored in a new report, ‘Is Sustainability in Fashion?’ the research comes at a time when the industry finds itself at a crossroads: whether to continue to invest in sustainability, or row back in light of the pandemic.

Sustainability is business critical, say fashion, retail and textile leaders 

In defiance of the pandemic, the new data shows that for many of the world’s biggest brands, sustainability is now business critical. The majority of fashion, retail and textile leaders surveyed (60%), named implementing sustainability measures as a top two strategic objective for their business, second only to improving customers’ experience (ranked first by 64%). This contrasts starkly with the fewer than one in six (15%) that listed ‘rewarding shareholders’ as a top objective.

Leaders report they’re introducing sustainability measures throughout the supply chain, from sourcing sustainably produced raw materials (65%), introducing a circular economy approach to their business and cutting greenhouse gasses (51% apiece) and investing in new technologies like 3D printing and blockchain (41%).  Overall, the majority (70%) were optimistic that sustainable, fast and affordable fashion is achievable.

Data matters

A key finding of the research is that data matters for sustainability. When asked what measures they were implementing today to be more sustainable, collecting data from across the business and in the supply chain to measure performance was listed at the very top of business leaders’ list of priorities by 53%, second only to developing and implementing an environmental sustainability strategy with measurable targets, favoured by almost six in ten (58%).

And data is not important for the immediate term only –  three in ten (28%) said the availability of reliable data holds the key to greater sustainability over the next decade, while almost three-quarters of industry leaders (73%) stated their support for global benchmarks and thresholds as an effective means of measuring sustainability performance and driving progress in the industry.

But data collection is patchy

However, although brands clearly recognize the importance of data, the research’s findings on data collection indicates that top fashion brands, retailers and textile businesses may find sourcing good quality data a challenge.

While business leaders report relatively high rates of data collection on supplier sustainability practices (65%) and worker rights and workplace health and safety in the supply chain (62%), a significant proportion (45%) of businesses do not track greenhouse gas emissions across production, manufacturing and distribution of the products they sell, while 41% don’t track the amount of water and energy being used to produce the raw materials they source.

Looking to the future, over a quarter (26%) of respondents saw a lack of available, easily-accessible data as hampering collaboration on sustainability across the industry. As some respondents in interview pointed out, while collecting data could be hard it is important.  

Commenting on the findings, Gary Adams, President of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, said: “It is clear that brands are faced with a challenge on driving forward their sustainability efforts. At the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol we know that accurate, reliable data supports businesses in this work – providing not only the evidence to show hard work and progress, but the insight to drive further improvements. We provide one of the most robust data collection mechanisms available for an essential material – cotton – for unparalleled transparency.” 

Partnership offers path to further progress

An additional key finding is that fashion, retail and textile business clearly cannot drive change in isolation: collaboration is needed. According to one respondent, from Reformation, this is already happening. “We’re energized to see collaboration and cooperation across the industry and believe that will only increase over time.”

However, when it comes to external support to help guide that progress, business leaders do not necessarily perceive further regulation as the answer. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and government regulation were each given equal weight in driving sustainability change, both cited by a quarter of respondents (24% apiece). Regulatory requirements were also ranked by only a third (33%) of the business leaders surveyed as being within the top three factors that will drive sustainability progress over the next decade. 

Jonathan Birdwell, Regional Head of Public Policy and Thought Leadership, The Economist Intelligence Unit: “It’s clear from the survey results and our interviews with business leaders that the industry is committed to driving progress on its sustainability performance. We were particularly struck by the fact that sustainability is largely considered as pre-competitive – behind the scenes brands are sharing resources and lessons learned”.

The impact of Covid-19 

This determination on sustainability flies in the face of COVID-19 uncertainty, although when asked their view on the pandemic, just over half (54%) of respondents said they thought it would make sustainability less of a priority within the industry.

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a new initiative that sets a new standard in sustainably grown cotton. By working closely with growers, the U.S. Trust Protocol provides clear, consistent data on six key sustainability metrics, including GHG emissions, water use, soil carbon, soil loss, independently audited through Control Union Certification. For the first time, brands can access annualized farm level data and trace their cotton from field to ‘laydown’.

[i] Research based on quantitative survey of 150 executives in the fashion, retail and textile industry based in Europe and the United States undertaken by the Economist Intelligence Unit between 9th July and 28th July 2020. The survey was complemented by qualitative insight from interviews with ten professionals in the fashion and sustainability space.

About the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol

In a period of ever greater supply chain scrutiny and a growing demand for transparency, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol will set a standard for more sustainably grown cotton. It brings quantifiable and verifiable goals and measurement to the issue of responsibly-grown cotton production and drives continuous improvement in key sustainability metrics.

The Trust Protocol underpins and verifies U.S. cotton’s progress through sophisticated data collection and independent third-party verification. Choosing Trust Protocol cotton will give brands and retailers the critical assurances they need that the cotton fiber element of their supply chain is more sustainably grown with lower environmental and social risk. Brands and retailers will gain access to U.S. cotton with sustainability credentials proven via Field to Market, measured via the Fieldprint Calculator and verified with Control Union Certifications.

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is overseen by a multi-stakeholder Board of Directors comprised of representatives from brands and retailers, civil society and independent sustainability experts as well as the cotton-growing industry, including growers, ginners, merchants, wholesalers and cooperatives, mills and cottonseed handlers.

About the Economist Intelligence Unit

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) is the research and analysis division of the Economist Group providing forecasting and advisory services through research and analysis, such as monthly country reports, five-year country economic forecasts, country risk service reports, and industry reports.

COTTON USA Celebrates World Cotton Day with Virtual Events Focused on a Greener World

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 7, 2020) – In celebration of the second-annual World Cotton Day on October 7, COTTON USA™ is putting the natural fiber centerstage at a three-and-a-half-hour virtual event based in Latin America. The Word Cotton Day celebration will feature experts from across the globe who will cover some of the most pressing topics in the cotton industry, with a specific focus on sustainability. CCI is also putting a special focus on U.S. cotton by teaming up with 12 Latin American COTTON USA™ licensees for a “dress to take care of the world” campaign.

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) co-established the global day in 2019 alongside four other organizations – the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Trade Centre (ITC), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – as a formal recognition of the countless benefits that cotton brings to communities worldwide. The day serves as a platform designed to unite countless organizations, advocacy groups, investors and beneficiaries in order to educate fellow peers and consumers alike on cotton’s current and future role in society.

“We’re looking forward to having a prominent role in celebrating cotton on this day in parallel with the many other organizations participating in it,” said Cotton Council International (CCI) Executive Director Bruce Atherley. “We know this natural fiber plays a crucial role around the globe, which is why COTTON USA is focusing our event on ‘a greener world’ within the supply chain. When looking at the future of this valuable resource, we must look at sustainability first and foremost. We hope to educate attendees on issues, innovations and more surrounding this subject.”

COTTON USA’s Latin American-based celebration will consist of both pre-recorded and live presentations where world experts will present innovative and sustainable initiatives designed to solve numerous global challenges faced by textile, manufacturing and retail sectors.

Specific topics covered in the event include:

• Sustainability & Innovation
• Microfiber Pollution
• The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
• The Circular Economy

The event will begin at 9:00 A.M. GMT-5 or 9:00 A.M. CST and is accessible to consumers and organizations across the world. All those celebrating the day are encouraged to share their appreciation for cotton through photos and videos of cotton-based products on social media via the #WorldCottonDay hashtag. Any support goes a long way in increasing cotton’s visibility and showcasing its many benefits to consumers.

In addition to the event, 12 Latin American COTTON USA™ licensees will tell their many brand stories through a uniting “dress to take care of the world” campaign. Also focused on sustainability, each licensee’s content will be shared on social media throughout the day. All content will be posted on Cotton Latino’s social channels as well for anyone interested in following along.

To learn more about World Cotton Day, visit WorldCottonDay.com and follow the #WorldCottonDay hashtag on social media during the day for highlights from our celebration as well as those across the globe.

CONTACT

Jenn Sarter                                                                                        
Cotton Council International (CCI)                                                    
jsarter@cotton.org                                                                                                                                                                                       

About COTTON USA and Cotton Council International

Cotton Council International (CCI) is a non-profit trade association that promotes U.S. cotton fiber and manufactured cotton products around the globe with our COTTON USA™ Mark. Our reach extends to more than 50 countries through 20 offices around the world. With more than 60 years of experience, CCI’s mission is to make U.S. cotton the preferred fiber for mills/manufacturers, brands/retailers and consumers, commanding a value-added premium that delivers profitability across the U.S. cotton industry and drives export growth of fiber, yarn and other cotton products. To learn more, visit: https://cottonusa.org/.

Virk: Maximizing the Value of Cotton Yield Monitors

Growing up on a small family farm in India, I was naturally inclined towards pursing my education and career in agriculture. I was always intrigued by the use of technology in agriculture, therefore after obtaining my B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Punjab Agricultural University, I moved to the US in 2010 to pursue a M.S. in Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University. Since then, most of my educational and professional training has been centered on applied research in precision agriculture technology and machinery systems while working closely with the growers to promote technology benefits and adoption through extension and outreach. I have been at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus since 2016 working as a research engineer in the precision agriculture program while concurrently pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from UGA’s College of Engineering. Beginning August 1^st of this year, I joined UGA as a precision ag specialist in the Department of Crop and Soil sciences at the UGA Tifton campus. In this role, my extension and research efforts will be focused on promoting and advancing the adoption of precision ag technology and data management tools among the growers while trying to understand and resolve current issues faced by growers in technology implementation on the farm. My primary focus will be on precision ag technologies available for row-crop production including cotton.

For cotton, consistently lower prices in recent years have further reinforced the importance of using precision ag technologies in order to be more efficient with crop inputs by better targeting soil or crop requirements. A critical and timely technology for cotton production that has seen continued interest and increased adoption among cotton growers is yield monitoring technology. A properly setup and well calibrated yield monitor can provide valuable information about in-field yield variability and help growers in making informed crop management decisions. However, most growers are not fully capitalizing on the potential benefits of a yield monitor either due to lack of information on proper technology implementation or simply giving up on technology when faced with common issues in the field. I understand that technology can be frustrating at times and it can cause growers significant downtime in the middle of the harvest, yet most of these technology related issues can be avoided by taking a preemptive approach and employing certain practices at the beginning, during, and end of the cotton harvest process in order to maximize the value of yield monitors.  

Pre-harvest:  A thorough and timely pre-harvest check can minimize any downtime and frustration with technology (one of the most common grower complaints about utilizing technology in agriculture) during harvest. Considering harvest is a time-sensitive operation, growers should not to wait until the last minute to check the functioning of yield monitoring components on their cotton pickers. A pre-harvest check on the yield monitor should be performed preferably a week or two before the actual harvest begins. During this check, make sure that the mass flow sensors are clean and free of any debris or obstructions, wiring harnesses are not damaged and connected properly, and all systems (sensors, GPS receiver and in-cab display) are installed and working as intended. Growers should also check for any required updates to the GPS receiver and the monitor to maintain system performance and accuracy during harvest. This would also be a good time to export and back up a copy of yield data from the previous year’s harvest to prevent any data loss during updates or unwanted software crashes. One of the most important steps (also one of the most overlooked) at the beginning of the harvest is calibration of the yield monitor to ensure accurate yield estimates. It is important to remember that yield data quality is only as good as the calibration so make sure to spend time in properly calibrating the yield monitor. A detailed step-by-step cotton picker yield monitor calibration can be accessed at https://lgpress.clemson.edu/publication/precision-agriculture-cotton-picker-yield-monitor-calibration/.

During Harvest: Proper set up and calibration of a yield monitor is generally considered a huge step towards utilizing technology in an efficient manner. However, there are additional steps that can be taken during harvest to ensure trouble-free yield monitor operation and to maintain the accuracy of yield data. Growers should verify that the yield monitoring system is functioning properly by paying attention to the sensor readings, any errors or warnings or anything out of the normal during harvest, and regularly checking that the yield data is being recorded. It is always a good practice to create a new job for each field separately and end the job (again one of the most commonly forgotten tasks) at completion of the harvest to keep yield records separate for each field. It is also important to note that any change in crop or field conditions would require additional calibrations to be performed, therefore regular calibration checks are often recommended during the harvest to maintain data accuracy and quality.

Post-Harvest: Finishing harvest without any major technology issues can be a great achievement in itself for most growers. However, leaving recorded data on the yield monitor and not utilizing data (another most common mistake) to assess in-field yield variability makes all that previous effort useless and is a wasted technology potential. It is important to emphasize that the main goal behind using a cotton yield monitor is to understand low and high yielding areas within a field and determine how management practices should be changed to maximize productivity across the whole field. Therefore, growers are highly encouraged to take time to move the recorded yield data from the monitor and utilize the yield data and maps to determine the low yielding or issue areas and consider management adjustments to improve profitability across the whole field. Until this last step is completed, we are very likely missing out on the benefits and the potential of yield monitoring technology to pay for itself. 

Dr. Simer Virk is an Extension Precision Agriculture Specialist with the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. For more information, please reach out to your local UGA Cooperative Extension Agent.

NCC: Forced Labor Must be Eliminated in Global Cotton & Textile Production

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The National Cotton Council (NCC) reiterates its absolute opposition to any forced labor practices within the global production of cotton and textiles.

“Unfortunately, these are not new questions facing the global textile supply chain, and we urge companies to implement the internal measures necessary to ensure that their supply chains do not include forced or child labor,” NCC President/CEO Gary Adams said. “It is important to recognize that forced labor practices can occur throughout other product supply chains and not just within cotton fiber and textile production. As a result, manmade fiber supply chains must be given the same level of scrutiny.” 

He further noted that the complexity of global textile supply chains can make it very challenging to verify whether a specific textile or apparel product was made using forced labor at some point in the supply chain. In order to be the most effective, policies to combat forced labor or other human rights abuses should be focused and specific in order to identify the companies or entities deemed to be engaged in those practices.

The NCC urges the U.S. Government to accelerate efforts to develop technologies that can enable downstream identification of articles that have been produced with forced labor so that any sanctions can be uniformly and accurately applied. 

Adams said the industry looks forward to continuing to work with its customers to promote textile supply chains that utilize more U.S. cotton and U.S.-produced yarns and fabrics. The high labor standards and practices in the United States make U.S. cotton a responsible choice for brands, retailers, and consumers.

Fountain: Substantial Producer Participation Needed For Successful Sustainability Initiative

This article is written by Kent Fountain, a cotton ginner and grower from Appling County who is also serving as the Chairman of the National Cotton Council of America.

As more and more U.S. cotton producers choose to enroll in the U.S Cotton Trust Protocol, they are signaling to the world that U.S. cotton is serious about setting a new standard for sustainability.

The Trust Protocol, launched in 2019, is an integrated data collection, measurement and verification procedure that will document U.S. cotton production practices and their environmental impact. The data is intended to benchmark U.S. cotton producers’ gains towards reaching (by 2025) the U.S. cotton industry’s national sustainability goals: 

• 13% increase in productivity, i.e. reduced land use per pound of fiber;
• 18% increase in irrigation efficiency;
• 39% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions;
• 15% reduction in energy use;
• 50% reduction in soil loss; and
• 30% increase in soil carbon.

These goals are in line with United Nations’ sustainability goals. Importantly, U.S. cotton producers’ commitment to these goals through the Trust Protocol will provide the global textile supply chain much needed additional assurances that U.S. cotton is produced in a responsible manner. The Trust Protocol’s mission, in fact, is aimed at 1) meeting U.S. cotton customers’ sustainability needs while 2) providing transparency on U.S. cotton industry efforts to promote farmer economic livelihood, environmental stewardship, caring of people/community, and personal/corporate integrity.

Producers’ involvement in the voluntary Trust Protocol provides them a unique opportunity to examine their farming operations for areas where further changes can be made – a step that not only should reduce their environmental footprint but benefit their bottom line.

Some 300 U.S. cotton producers participated in a pilot of the Trust Protocol which was launched this past July. The National Cotton Council is optimistic that 500-750 producers will be enrolled by December 2020 – and vigorous recruitment across the Cotton Belt will be perpetual.

Trust Protocol enrollees complete a self-assessment of their farming practices via a questionnaire and their field data is shared through Field to Market’s Fieldprint Platform. Control Union Certifications North America verifies the Trust Protocol annual data that will highlight the sustainability metrics – land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency.

Trust Protocol information, including a question/answer, is at https://TrustUsCotton.org – where producers can enroll. That site also contains information about how to sign up for Trust Protocol information/enrollment process webinars to be held on October 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15; on November 12; and on December 10.

Contamination Threatens US Cotton’s Reputation

Gins and textile mills continue to find plastic in cotton bales. Some of the culprits include plastic wrap from round modules, shopping bags, paper towels and other contaminants littering the sides of fields before harvest. However, about 88% of plastic contamination is module wrap. Because plastic is not generally distributed uniformly in a bale, the plastic may not be recognized in the sample and later found in the mill. This problem could cause customers to avoid a specific gin or growing area.

Plastic contamination is preventable. To maintain the stellar reputation of US Cotton, it is crucial that both producers and ginners take proper steps to prevent plastic contamination. Harvest season is quickly approaching, and it is important to adopt practices to reduce plastic contamination. Some tips to avoid contamination are:

• Check your field before harvest
• Remove debris from your field
• Inspect harvest equipment daily for foreign matter
• Do not place modules near potential contaminants or on standing or shredded stalks
• Make communication between the producer and ginner a priority
• Make sure module covers and wraps are completely removed before ginning
• Inspect module feeders for foreign matter

If you are interested in more information on preventing contamination in cotton, please visit the Georgia Cotton Commission YouTube Channel or the National Cotton Council of America website (www.cotton.org). The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission please call 478-988-4235 or on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.

Cotton and Peanut Research Virtual Field Day set for Sept. 9, 2020

PERRY/TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Peanut Commission and the University of Georgia Extension Cotton and Peanut Teams, will co-sponsor a virtual research field day on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020.

The virtual field day will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at noon.  Re-certification credits for pesticide applicators and CCA will be available pending approval.  The field day is a free event, but attendees are encouraged to preregister at http://bit.ly/cottonpeanutfieldday.

The purpose of the tour is to showcase current research to producers and industry leaders, which is funded by both commissions. The sponsors’ goal is to provide an educational opportunity for cotton and peanut farmers and offer them the chance to present questions directly to the researchers and express opinions and concerns pertinent to the production of their crops.

Chairmen of the peanut and cotton commissions, Armond Morris and Bart Davis, respectively, agree this event provides farmers with the opportunity to learn about the latest research advancements at the University of Georgia regarding cotton and peanut research programs. Since an in-person field day was not possible this year, the virtual platform will provide a way for farmers to learn about the research projects funded by their checkoff investments and ask questions.

Videos from the Cotton and Peanut Research Virtual Field Day will be available on the Georgia Cotton Commission and Georgia Peanut Commissions websites at http://www.georgiacottoncommission.org or http://www.gapeanuts.com.

Cromley, Hopkins and Ruark Reappointed to Georgia Cotton Commission Board

The Commodity Ex- Officio Committee reappointed three members to the Georgia Cotton Commission Board of Directors. The members include Lee Cromley of Bulloch County, Chris Hopkins of Toombs County and John Ruark of Morgan County. They will serve on the Commission’s board for another three-year term.

Cromley is a sixth-generation cotton farmer from Brooklet, Ga.  Cromley has been growing peanuts and cotton since 1983. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Cromley has served on the Commission’s board since 2011. Along with the Georgia Cotton Commission, he serves as a board member of Bulloch Gin, Bulloch County Farm Service Agency and the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Statesboro. Cromley is also currently the Chairman of the Southern Cotton Growers and serves on the board of directors for the National Cotton Council of America. He and his wife, Ann, reside in Brooklet and have three children.

Hopkins is returning to the Georgia Cotton Commission for his second term. Hopkins is a first-generation farmer from Lyons, Ga. He is a University of Georgia graduate and earned a bachelor’s degree in Crop Science and a master’s degree in Plant Pathology & Pest Management. He and his wife, Marilynn, began Hopkins Farm on 50 acres in 2005. Today, they grow cotton, corn, peanuts, rye, watermelons and timber on 850 acres. Hopkins serves as a delegate to the National Cotton Council of America and a director of the Southern Cotton Growers. He is also the president of the Toombs County Farm Bureau. The Hopkinses have two sons.

Ruark is a multi-generational farmer. He farms in Morgan, Oconee and Walton counties with his father, Marvin, and son, Andrew, and operates Bostwick Gin & Supply. He grows cotton, wheat and soybeans and raises cattle and poultry. He has been a member of the Commission’s board since 2014. Ruark is a director of the Southern Cotton Growers and the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of Georgia. He also serves as an advisor to the National Cotton Council Board. Ruark is married to his wife, Tamie, and has two children.

Update from Cotton Incorporated/Quail Forever Partnership

Cotton in Georgia is looking relatively good across the regions and holds great potential.  As you are in the field preparing to harvest, keep an eye out for chronically problematic areas of the field for production.  An average to above average year is the best time to look for poor producing areas. Using your crop budgets and average yields broken down per acre, consider these poor areas being removed and how that may improve your field average yields, APH overtime, improved efficiency and sustainability, and less wear and tear and time on equipment from low-to-no yield places.  Profit per acre is better than yield per acre.

To help you harness sustainability insights and unleash opportunities for your farm, we have developed a guide to better understand how your management practices intersect with sustainability metrics and potential factors that can influence improved outcomes through working with Quail Forever Precision Ag decisions in the areas of: •  Biodiversity •  Energy Use Efficiency •  Greenhouse Gas Emissions •  Irrigation Water Use Efficiency •  Land Use Efficiency •  Soil Carbon •  Soil Conservation •  Water Quality.

If you would like help taking a look at your crop health & profitability or consider biodiversity with quail habitat, you or your trusted crop advisor can give Quail Forever Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist a call as complements of Cotton Incorporated and the American Society of Agronomy.

Chaz Holt , CCA|  Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist
Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever Inc. |  Georgia
m. 406-425-3039 |  cholt@quailforever.org
Twitter @agrarian_life
Instagram #agrarianlife
https://quailforever.org/Conservation/Precision-Agriculture.aspx

INDUSTRY COALITION RELEASES STATEMENT ON PPE POLICY

WASHINGTON—An industry coalition representing the full spectrum of domestic personal protective equipment (PPE) production released a statement today outlining policy principles and objectives needed for reshoring and safeguarding domestic PPE manufacturing.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed severe shortages in our nation’s PPE supply and an overreliance on foreign sourced products, underscores how important it is for the U.S. government to incentivize, support and maintain domestic manufacturing capacity for PPE.

Our association members, encompassing every segment of the U.S. textile, apparel and PPE supply chain, as well as unions representing workers, acted swiftly to convert manufacturing facilities and build supply chains virtually overnight to produce desperately needed PPE.

“We are united in our support of important principles that must be adopted in order to address our current public health needs and guarantee our nation is better prepared to respond to future emergencies,” the 21 associations said in the joint statement.

The associations are calling on Congress and the Trump administration to adopt principles outlined in the statement through legislation, executive order and other appropriate means.

See the full joint statement and principles here.

The statement was signed by the following organizations. Please see relevant contacts where provided:

• AFL-CIO
• Alliance for American Manufacturing
• American Iron and Steel Institute
• American Sheep Institute
• Coalition for a Prosperous America
• Georgia Association of Manufacturers
• Hand Tools Institute
• INDA: Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
• Narrow Fabrics Institute
• National Cotton Council
• National Council of Textile Organizations
• Parachute Industry Association
• Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network
• SEAMS: Association of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry
• SEIU
• South Carolina Textile Council
• U.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute
• United States Footwear Manufacturers Association
• United Steelworkers
• Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition
• Workers United/SEIU