Like most agricultural products, cotton depends on a delicate balance of ideal weather and irrigation. In addition, concerns for cotton may include the following:
Pests and Disease - Cotton crops require a high volume of pesticides and insecticides. One of the most destructive pests in North America is the boll weevil, responsible for devastating the cotton industry in the 1920s. The boll weevil feeds on immature cotton bolls; females can lay about 200 eggs in less than two weeks, and the larvae, in turn, will feed on flower buds. Diseases include various types of root rot, boll rot, rust, and mildew.
Competition - Since the end of the nineteenth century, the manufacture of synthetic fibers or alternative cellulose fibers has caused direct competition with cotton. The introduction of polyester and nylon caused hardship on cotton exporting economies and began a battle to re-establish markets for cotton in the late 1960s.
Fair Trade - Since cotton is grown throughout the world, some farmers in developing nations have difficulty competing with developed nations; and in 2002, Brazil took issue with the United States regarding subsidies paid to US cotton producers. Aside from issues with subsidies, many countries are criticized for employing child labor or exposing workers to dangerous pesticides - issues which have pushed forward the "ethical fashion" movements.
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