I am pleased to announce that FCStone Fibers & Textiles will conduct a multi-client study entitled, "The Future of High Quality and Branded Cotton."

With particular focus on China, India, the U.S. and Egypt, this study will probe into the possibility that global production of the highest quality of cotton -- extra-long staple (or ELS) -- is declining due to the expansion of long staple (or LS) cotton as the dominant type of quality cotton produced today. In so doing, the study will not only explore the rise of new, branded varieties of LS cotton that have helped to raise the overall level of cotton quality globally, but have also prompted a decline in Pima and other ELS varieties, while at the same time reducing the share of the traditional lower end of the market, generic upland cotton.

For example, in China there is a major shift away from ELS in favor of LS cotton in Xinjiang, the country's top cotton-producing province. At the same time, U.S. Pima acreage is rapidly disappearing, while Egypt has suffered a 50 percent reduction in its production of ELS cotton.

Ultimately, there will be ramifications of the rise of LS cotton for merchants, mills and retailers as the purchasing, consumption and marketing of such varieties will change how cotton is utilized throughout the entire textile supply chain.

FCStone Fibers & Textiles proposes to undertake this essential strategic study for delivery to subscribing clients by August 31st. Please click http://globecot.com/20090615prospectus.pdf to download a copy of the prospectus.