Get involved > Campaign > Time to nip US cotton subsidies in the bud
Time to nip US cotton subsidies in the bud
The United States is preventing cotton farmer Moussa Doumbia from lifting himself and his family out of poverty.
We think it’s time Moussa and the millions of African cotton farmers like him had the chance to earn a fair price for their cotton.
That means that the US must put an end to the billions of dollars it gives its farmers in illegal cotton subsidies.
Removing US subsidies could mean an extra $250 million for African producers who depend on cotton for their survival.
- America has shown a flagrant disregard for the international trade rules it helped to create.
- It has consistently failed to reduce its cotton subsidies to the legal level required by the World Trade Organisation.
- It has bought its way out of obeying the rules, condemning millions of cotton farmers in Africa to a life of poverty.
Facts and figures
- 10 million farmers in West Africa depend on cotton for their livelihoods.
- In 2009 the US government spent more than $2 billion subsidising its cotton farmers.
- Cost of production of cotton in West Africa $0.35 per pound. Cost of production in the US is $0.80 per pound.
- 79 developing countries have described the US position on cotton as ‘deplorable’.
Find out more
- The cotton campaign so far From waving a giant cotton bud at President Obama to delivering a petition to the US Embassy with Father Christmas, it’s been an exciting few months in the campaign for cotton justice.
- Q and A on Cotton Subsidies Read more about why we’re campaigning for the US to end its illegal cotton subsidies in these useful questions and answers.
- Buy Fairtrade cotton Cotton products with the Fairtrade mark guarantee a minimum price, better working conditions and the social premium for cotton farmers to invest in their communities and their farms.
