Last week, the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association hosted its 2026 Annual Meeting at the International Agri Center in Tulare, California.  More than 100 participants attended the informative meeting with speakers covering a multitude of important issues. The morning began with the financial report from the Association’s auditing firm Spafford and Landry. Then the group broke into two sections: ginners and growers. The ginners were provided with updates from the National Cotton Ginners Association and its activities by current NCGA Executive Vice President Harrison Ashley, the USDA ARS Southwest Cotton Ginning Laboratory and the research they are conducting by Research Leader Dr. Derek Whitelock. Meanwhile, the growers were briefed on the status of Cotton Jassid and Cotton Seed Bug by the National Cotton Council’s Chad Brewer. Then researchers Dr. Maggie Ellis, with Fresno State, and Ian Grettenberger with UC Davis, provided updates on fusarium research and pesticide trials respectively. Then both groups came back together to receive an update on cotton classing update from Ryan Phillips with USDA AMS. Later, the Association staff led by Assistant Vice President Priscilla Rodriguez, and Assistant Vice president of Technical Services Christopher McGlothlin provided an overview of the important issues the Association is tackling. During lunch a special congressional issues panel was held that was moderated by CCGGA President/CEO Roger A. Isom and included Robbie Minnich from the National Cotton Council, Buddy Allen, with the American Cotton Shippers Association, Emma Vogel with Congressman Adam Gray’s office and Wes Andersen with Congressman David Valadao’s office. At the meeting, incoming Chairman Adriane Carbonel presented outgoing Chairman Gary Martin with a plaque and gavel recognizing him for his two years of tremendous service. The meeting was also held in conjunction with the Annual Meetings for Supima and the Western Cotton Shippers Association. The Association recognizes their contribution to the success of the meeting and wishes to express their appreciation for the cooperation and collaboration.