The world will consume 100 million bales of cotton annually by the year 2000. The United States will produce about 20 million bales annually by the time, but only if the current cotton program is maintained. Any legislation that eliminates severely restricts the benefits offered to cotton farmers will limit the ability of the United States to maintain current production levels. Continued government support is necessay if the United States cotton industry is to compete with heavily subsidized exporters in Central Asia and China. Continued improvement of United States cotton quality will also improve competitiveness.