{"id":6441,"date":"2023-06-02T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-02T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=6441"},"modified":"2023-06-02T07:06:39","modified_gmt":"2023-06-02T07:06:39","slug":"why-is-it-illegal-to-grow-cotton-in-some-states","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/why-is-it-illegal-to-grow-cotton-in-some-states\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is It Illegal To Grow Cotton In Some States?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Professional cotton growers have aggressive measures in place to combat boll weevils. If a backyard grower allows the pests to get established, it could threaten the <a href=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-grow-cotton-commercially\/\">commercial cotton crop<\/a>. Read on to learn more on <em>why is it illegal to grow cotton in some states<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Backyard Cotton Growing Is Illegal In Several States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cotton is a cash crop in many states in the USA, and our economy is somewhat dependent on successful cotton growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to keep boll weevils (a <a href=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-does-the-boll-weevil-destroy-the-cotton-plant\/\">devastating cotton pest<\/a>) under tight control. For this reason, growing cotton just for fun in big cotton states is against the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"container-lazyload preview-lazyload container-youtube js-lazyload--not-loaded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/PxoubBoJ5RY\" class=\"lazy-load-youtube preview-lazyload preview-youtube\" data-video-title=\"Backyard Cotton Growing is Illegal in Several States\" title=\"Play video &quot;Backyard Cotton Growing is Illegal in Several States&quot;\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/PxoubBoJ5RY<\/a><noscript>Video can&#8217;t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/PxoubBoJ5RY\" title=\"Backyard Cotton Growing is Illegal in Several States\">Backyard Cotton Growing is Illegal in Several States (https:\/\/youtu.be\/PxoubBoJ5RY)<\/a><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What States Outlaw Recreational Cotton Growing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the specific states outlawing amateur cotton growing change from time to time, the ones that remain pretty constant are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>North Carolina<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>South Carolina<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New Mexico<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mississippi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tennessee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>California<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oklahoma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arkansas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alabama<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Louisiana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missouri<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Virginia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arizona<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Georgia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Florida<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kansas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Texas<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Close collaboration between cotton producers has resulted in a sharp reduction in the threat posed by the boll weevil, and in the state of Alabama, hard work has resulted in the eradication of the pest according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cotton.org\/tech\/pest\/bollweevil\/eradication2.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a way of supporting boll weevil eradication, Congress put the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/106th-congress\/senate-bill\/2732\/text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boll Weevil Eradication Equity Act<\/a> in place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This act states that cotton may not be grown for other than commercial purposes without a special waiver issued by the state\u2019s plant board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Commercial cotton (that grown only for sale) is grown in areas that are heavily monitored for boll weevil activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If cotton is grown outside of these areas, it poses a real risk of reintroducing these pests, even to areas where it has been declared eradicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is There Any Way To Grow A Small Cotton Crop Legally?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"850\" src=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/cotton-2807362_1280-compressor.jpg\" alt=\"is there any way to grow a small cotton crop legally\" class=\"wp-image-6446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/cotton-2807362_1280-compressor.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/cotton-2807362_1280-compressor-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/cotton-2807362_1280-compressor-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/cotton-2807362_1280-compressor-768x510.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Even a few plants grown for educational purposes could devastate local farmers and the state economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Civic groups, teachers and others considering this sort of activity must contact their State Plant Board to request a waiver and register their cotton seed so that their project can be monitored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In all of the cotton producing states, cotton growers have millions of dollars invested in their cotton crops and in eradicating the boll weevil population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this reason, it is advised that cotton seed shouldn\u2019t be distributed or sown in any non-monitored, non-commercial area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><strong>Read also:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-much-water-does-it-take-to-grow-cotton\/\">How Much Water Does It Take To Grow Cotton?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can You Control Boll Weevils?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easy for boll weevils to reinfest an area where they have been eradicated. They are invasive pests that eat cotton plants\u2019 buds and blooms, as well as the actual cotton bolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These beetles travel from place to place by hitching a ride on farm equipment and even on vehicles that visit cotton fields. They can also be blown about by high winds, tornadoes and hurricanes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because they can turn up and start reproducing and damaging cotton crops at any minute, it\u2019s important for commercial cotton growers to know how to identify them and what to do to begin eradicating them as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Commercial growers should keep traps in place and monitor them aggressively so that active eradication steps can be started immediately if\/when a boll weevil is caught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/2-1.jpg\" alt=\"why is it illegal to grow cotton in some states Frequently Asked Questions\" class=\"wp-image-12504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/2-1.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/2-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/2-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1685689348452\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">1. Why are there legal restrictions on cotton cultivation in some places?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The reasons for restrictions on growing cotton vary. In some areas, environmental concerns and protection of ecosystems may prohibit growing cotton commercially. Likewise, drought conditions and general lack of water may lead to a prohibition on growing cotton. Fear of the spread of boll weevils may cause prohibitions on non-commercial cotton cultivation.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1685689373630\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">2. How does cotton farming harm the environment?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It takes a lot of water to grow cotton, and water is a finite resource. Using huge amounts of it to produce cotton can be injurious to native flora and fauna, not to mention people! In addition to using a lot of water, growing cotton also pollutes groundwater and streams because of chemical and pesticide runoff. Soil erosion is another negative environmental impact that is often associated with the commercial growth of cotton.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1685689374382\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">3. How does the regulation of cotton growth affect cotton prices?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">In the United States, cotton quality is established and graded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ams.usda.gov\/rules-regulations\/cotton-and-tobacco\">by the USDA<\/a> and prices are set accordingly.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1685689375510\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">4. Are there different cotton cultivation regulations from one country to another?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, regulations regarding cotton cultivation can vary between countries. Generally speaking, the rules and guidelines are based in economic and environmental concerns. For this reason, they will vary depending on factors such as water availability, presence of the boll weevil, economic needs of farmers, supply and demand and much more. It is very important that, no matter where in the world you are, if you want to plant cotton, you must get in touch with your local agricultural cooperative or authority and find out exactly which rules and regulations may apply to you.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1685689376383\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">5. What can be grown instead of cotton that is better for the environment?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">In many areas, industrial hemp is an excellent cotton alternative. It takes a lot less land and a lot less water to grow hemp than cotton. There is also potentially a greater market for hemp because it can be purposed in all of the same ways as cotton and many more. Additionally, growing hemp can actually improve your soil. Sadly, many rules and regulations also apply to hemp production.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resource:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/publications\/plant_health\/2013\/faq_boll_weevil_erad.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Questions and Answers: Boll Weevil Eradication<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Professional cotton growers have aggressive measures in place to combat boll weevils. If a backyard grower allows the pests to get established, it could threaten the commercial cotton crop. Read on to learn more on why is it illegal to grow cotton in some states. Backyard Cotton Growing Is Illegal In Several States Cotton is &#8230; <a title=\"Why Is It Illegal To Grow Cotton In Some States?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/why-is-it-illegal-to-grow-cotton-in-some-states\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Why Is It Illegal To Grow Cotton In Some States?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":12504,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[43],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6441"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6441"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6441\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12507,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6441\/revisions\/12507"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}