Grade Standards and Classification for American Pima Cotton

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the official standards for the grade of American Pima to provide for the separation of grade into its chief components of color and leaf. This change was requested by representatives of the American Pima industry. Each component of the composite grade will stand on its own so that its effect on end use value or processing capability can be fully and separately evaluated. The separation of grade into color and leaf will require a change in three of the physical standards for American Pima cotton as currently maintained by USDA. This change will enhance the Agency's ability to provide useful and cost-effective classification, standardization and market news services for American Pima cotton.