#Raw Materials

2019-08-28

ICAC Cotton Researcher of the Year Award

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is pleased to announce that Dr John Zhihong Yu, Research Geneticist with USDA-ARS in College Station, Texas, is the 2019 ICAC Cotton Researcher of the Year

The 2019 ICAC Cotton Researcher of the Year Award:

Will be officially presented to Dr John Zhihong Yu, Research Geneticist, USDA-ARS, at the ICAC’s 78th Plenary Meeting in Brisbane, Australia, 2-5 December 2019

Is open to scientists from all disciplines of cotton production research, including ginning, fibre quality, and textile research

Is determined by an independent award panel, consisting of five experts from at least four countries, representing the major disciplines in cotton

Can only be presented to researchers from ICAC Member countries

ICAC honours a leading cotton researcher each year by awarding a certificate of recognition, a shield and an honorarium of US$1,000. Dr John Yu was selected by an independent panel of five eminent experts from five different countries.

Dr John Yu has been working with the USDA-ARS since 1995. He earned his PhD in plant genomics and molecular genetics at Cornell University. He demonstrated outstanding dedication, with 36 years of professional experience, and received significant recognition as an international authority in cotton genomics for developing genetic resources that are currently being used by scientists worldwide. He made major contributions on cotton genomics and germplasm, including:

Genome mapping and sequencing,

Characterisation of gene pools, and

Identification of QTLs for molecular breeding.

Dr Yu developed the world’s first integrated genetic, physical and transcript maps of cultivated tetraploid cotton chromosomes with large insert DNA clones, molecular markers, and EST genes; and high-density cotton genetic maps of portable SSR and SNP markers. He has freely filled numerous requests from the global cotton research community for genomic resources and information. Dr Yu has received several national and international awards and published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, which have 8,945 citations. Dr Yu has also delivered more than 60 talks/seminars to the global scientific community.

Dr Yu demonstrated dynamic, outstanding organisational capacity in a leadership role to benefit the global cotton community. This includes his election in 2005 — and re-election in 2015 — by the global cotton community as Chairman of the International Cotton Genome Initiative (ICGI), the first international organisation to facilitate global collaborative research work on cotton genomics and genetics.

Dr Yu led international efforts to develop and release genome sequences for G. arboreum, G. raimondii, and G. hirsutum, among other cotton species. The research opens a new paradigm in cotton genomics that revolutionises genetic improvement of cotton plants through better exploitation of genetic variation otherwise buried in Gossypium germplasm. His discovery of gene-rich islands and sub-genomic roles in upland cotton provides critical information for genetic applications. His development of new concepts and methodologies for standardising characterisation of Gossypium germplasm makes it possible for cotton researchers worldwide to collaborate, relate and utilise genetic diversity data among cotton germplasm collections.

ICAC to support European Commission on pending PEF legislation

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is proud to announce that it has been included as a member of the European Commission’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB) on the Product Environmental Footprint methodology. The Commission developed the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) to assess and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organizations.

ICAC to collaborate with Uzbekistan and Bizpando on regenerative agriculture

The Government of Uzbekistan has allocated 55,000 hectares of land to implement a regenerative agriculture program for cotton as part of a collaborative project with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and Bizpando, a company with a a blockchain-based internet platform designed to ensure supply chain compliance.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Esquel Group adds two new extra-long staple cotton varieties approved

Esquel Group’s Xinjiang Research & Development Center has successfully developed two new Sea Island cotton (Extra-Long-Staple cotton, ELS cotton) varieties named “Yuan Loong 37” and “Yuan Loong 42,” which have been officially approved and granted registration numbers. Both varieties have also obtained Plant Variety Rights certificates, marking another significant breakthrough for the Group in cotton breeding and commercial application.

Aid by Trade Foundation reaches new milestones in supply chain transparency

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is reaching new milestones as it leads the way towards greater physical traceability for Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) cotton. With around 700 suppliers and producers in a total of 25 countries, the Aid by Trade Foundation has reached a new record number of partners who can trace CmiA cotton from the product back to its origin. This is more than double the previous year’s figure.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Barmag presents the next generation of POY production – energy-efficient and partial-automated

With POY 2.0, Barmag is introducing a completely redesigned spinning concept that takes the production of partially oriented yarn (POY) to a new level in terms of technology and economy. The solution, which was presented to a selected audience of experts for the first time at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025, was met with great enthusiasm: several yarn producers worldwide immediately expressed their interest in a pilot plant.

Textile‑to‑textile recycling leader Circulose joins Spinnova’s ecosystem to accelerate technology scale‑up

Textile‑to‑textile recycling leader Circulose joins Spinnova’s ecosystem (consortium) to help advance the scale‑up of Spinnova’s technology. Spinnova has actively sought partners to accelerate commercial scale‑up, and Circulose, as a key player in textile recycling, strengthens the ecosystem by providing a raw material that is in high demand across the industry.