Understanding Who Grades Cotton and How It Affects Quality

Learn about cotton grading professionals and the standards set by the USDA for quality control.

135 views

Cotton grading is performed by licensed professionals or government agencies using a standardized system. This process evaluates fiber length, strength, color, and trash content. In the United States, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is responsible for grading cotton, ensuring that the product meets quality standards for industry use.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is cotton grading? Cotton grading is the process of assessing the quality of cotton fiber based on specific criteria such as fiber length, strength, color, and the amount of trash content.
  2. Who is responsible for grading cotton in the U.S.? In the United States, the grading of cotton is handled by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, which ensures that cotton meets quality standards for its use in various industries.
  3. Why is cotton grading important? Cotton grading is crucial because it helps maintain quality control in the cotton industry, impacting pricing, marketability, and the overall efficiency of textile production.
  4. How is cotton grading performed? Cotton grading is performed by licensed professionals or government agencies using a standardized system that carefully evaluates the key characteristics of the cotton.