Author: Caroline Berry

Please use the link below for a glance at the upcoming events for the week of November 24.

Document here.

ACSA joined 90 companies and trade associations in signing a coalition letter urging congressional leaders to swiftly pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), underscoring the broad industry support behind strengthening supply chain security. As cotton moves from raw fiber to finished goods, it is critical our product moves safely and expeditiously through the supply chain.

Letter here.

ACSA joined leading agricultural organizations in urging the Senate Commerce Committee to confirm Michelle Schultz and Richard Kloster to the Surface Transportation Board. Both nominees bring critical experience and leadership needed to maintain reliable, competitive freight rail service. Their confirmation will help ensure continued efficiency and stability across the rail network that supports American export markets.

More here.

Over the past several months, the National Cotton Council’s Quality Task Force and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) have been working to expand the number of bales included in the ongoing Four-Bale Module Averaging Pilot program, which is not limited to four bales per group.

See updated fact sheet from USDA-AMS on what bales qualify for the pilot and frequently asked questions below.

Fact sheet here.

USDA Export Sales will begin the second and final round of demonstrations and training for the new online Export Sales Reporting and Query System (ESRQS) on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Exporters who have not yet participated are strongly encouraged to register for a session and test the system in preparation for its mid-October launch.

To register in ESRQS, log in with the same email used for the legacy system, reset your password, and enter the ESRQS Exporter Number provided via email on June 24, 2025. If you need your Exporter Number, contact Amy Harding at [email protected].

• Register for training: https://forms.office.com/g/Jn7R4jCCn4
• Access and test the new ESRQS system: https://stgapps.fas.usda.gov/esrqs/#/home

The Export Sales Reporting Program is required by law and early registration will help ensure a smooth transition when the new system goes live in October.

The American Cotton Shippers Association has joined a broad coalition of agricultural organizations in support of H.R. 4601, the Seasonal Ag CDL Modernization Act, introduced by Representative Tracey Mann (R-KS) with 20 bipartisan co-sponsors. This legislation would modernize and streamline the Farm-Related Restricted Commercial Driver’s License program to better meet the seasonal workforce needs of the agriculture industry.

Letter here.