Thursday, October 30, 1997

Ag group support of fast track growing stronger

By J.T. Smith / Abilene Reporter-News

The momentum is building to allow President Clinton to speedily handle international trade deals.

Representatives of more than 60 groups that make up "Ag for Fast-Track" were briefed last week by White House officials, met with the press, and called upon members of the U.S. House and Senate urging prompt passage of such legislation.

The agricultural leaders and U.S. Ag Secretary Dan Glickman explained the vital role international trade plays in farm income. Fast track would subject trade accords negotiated by President Clinton to expedited Congressional consideration (an "up or down vote" without tacking on amendments).

Agricultural interests are urging U.S. House and Senate leadership to schedule floor votes prior to the end of this session of Congress.

Speaking of trade, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and Texas Cattle Feeders Association are among the agricultural groups strongly supporting fast track.

The cattle groups pointed out that several previous administrations have had fast track authority and that the Clinton Administration should have the same to maintain U.S. leadership in foreign trade.

Taking a cotton to carpet

Cotton continues to make progress into the carpet market.

Looking to position cotton fiber as a major player in the carpet and rug markets, Avondale Mills and Cotton Incorporated announced that they jointly have developed a cotton yarn suitable for those types of products.

The trademark yarn, "Tones In Cotton," is designed to offer the clear advantages of carpet such as softness, durability and anti-static property.

Another advantage of the Avondale and Cotton Incorporated research is improved resiliency, something usually associated only with man-made fibers.

This advancement is achieved through the use of a low-melt synthetic additive that stabilizes the cotton fiber during the heat-setting process.

Yarn will be available in a palette of 30 colors, although special colors may be customized for individual preferences.

Tones In Cotton is initially being targeted for upscale designer applications, but long-term plans will be directed toward mainstream tufted carpet markets.

It is those mainstream consumer markets where Cotton Incorporated researchers and market analysts foresee a huge potential for increasing demand for cotton through cotton carpeting, said CI's Michael McNamara.