NASHVILLE, Tenn.-(Farm Progress)--Tennessee cotton growers will pay $1.50 per acre for the Boll Weevil Eradication Program.
The rate represents a 70 percent reduction for West Tennessee producers and 25 percent decline for Middle Tennessee. It's also the first time that both regions will pay the same rate of assessment.
"This is the second year that the Boll Weevil Eradication Program has been fully funded by Tennessee cotton farmers," says ag commissioner Terry J. Oliver. "The reduction in the assessment rates points to the continued success of the program in achieving economic and environmental benefits for the cotton growing regions of the state."
Tennessee Department of Agriculture Boll Weevil Eradication administrator Boyd Barker says favorable weather has played a role in increasing yields, but the eradication program has also played a part. "The program has exceeded early expectations and has not only contributed to a 200-plus pound per acre increase in average cotton yields, but also a 40 percent to 90 percent reduction in the use of cotton insecticides--something that benefits everyone."
The deadline for payment of the 2010 program assessment without penalty is Nov. 15.
