AQCA is one of the leading cotton marketing cooperatives in the United States. We have been serving the cotton marketing needs of our members for over forty years. In 1967, a small group of growers in central Alabama saw the benefit of pooling high quality cotton in an effort to obtain higher prices. As a result of our success, membership has grown to encompass over 2000 producers in nine states from Texas to North Carolina.

In today's farming environment the numerous tasks required of you place a premium on time and resources. Successful marketing is such a task. Membership in AQCA allows you to focus your time and energy on what you do best, growing the crop. While the marketing is turned over to a team of experienced traders who dedicate their time and valuable resources to best position your cotton in this global market place. We have developed a long standing relationship with Cargill Cotton to facilitate the merchandising of our cotton. This association lends to our members a vast resource of trading expertise and market knowledge, financial security, and export capabilities. Over ninety percent of our cotton is sold to the end user, the textile manufacturer, not to another merchant thereby eliminating the expense of a middleman.

There are several other ways in which AQCA has distinguished itself from other cooperatives. Initially, we pay full government loan to include all premiums and discounts. In addition, an AQCA premium is paid on cotton that meets certain quality criteria.  Following the initial payment, progress payments are made in December, March, May, and July. AQCA does not retain any capital, therefore after expenses 100% of the proceeds are paid back to the member. A member has the choice to sign up all or any portion of their production. This partial sign up allows for flexibility on the member's part.  Our geographic diversity provides a risk management tool in regard to quality and its influence on pricing performance. Past history will show our pricing performance to be second to none.  If you would like a complete copy of this history please contact our office.

AQCA members have the option to deliver cotton to either of three separate pools. One is an aggressive pool which uses marketing tools and strategies which carry somewhat greater risk in an effort to obtain higher prices. Secondly, a seasonal pool wherein a more conservative approach is used taking calculated risks to obtain above average prices. Third, is a call pool wherein the member is allowed to fix or call the price on a portion of their crop.  Finally, AQCA members are able to obtain planting seed and technology at a discount as result of our seed purchase program. Please contact us if you have any questions. We would welcome your participation.