The Summer 2011-12 edition of CRDC's quarterly magazine, Spotlight gives an explanation of the Australian cotton industry, its organisations and their roles in R&D.

Quality of fiber has long been a concern to textile mills. Growing areas such as the San Joaquin Valley in California have historically been paid a premium for consistently high quality.

My idea today, with Australian farmers achieving the highest yield in the world, is that fibre quality has to be addressed almost separately to yield.

The markets are demanding what markets always demand - satisfaction of the customer at the lowest possible price.

Cotton is but one of a number of fibers which the consumer can use to satisfy the need for clothing, household articles and industrial products.