Monsanto Helps Cotton Museum Expand
On May 26, the Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange announced plans to expand its facility to house a permanent cotton exhibit and educational programming. Monsanto is one of three major businesses that have agreed to sponsor the exhibit for this space. Case IH and Cotton Incorporated are also sponsors.
The new exhibit will allow museum visitors to explore the history of cotton farming from a 21st century perspective. It will incorporate three key elements—advances in biotechnology, mechanization and environmental sustainability. The museum is also developing a grade-level specific education program targeted to local elementary, middle and high school students.
Monsanto is sponsoring the portion of the exhibit focused on state-of-the-art biotechnology.
“We’re excited about partnering with the Cotton Museum, which has done a great job of showcasing the story of cotton and helping connect that story to the museum’s guests,” Dave Rhylander, Monsanto marketing lead, said.
“Pulling from the traditions of Deltapine® and the technology of Monsanto, there is a lot of information on the evolution of biotechnology to bring to the exhibit,” he said. “Advances in crop genetics enhance the economics of cotton growing and enable the introduction of sustainable practices. Recent advances in biotechnology have enabled U.S. producers to remain competitive in the global marketplace.”
“With this expansion, we’re dramatically enhancing our ability to fulfill our educational role within the community. We’ll be able to accommodate more student groups and to enrich their learning experience at the museum,” Calvin Turley, the museum’s founder and president, said.
“The history of cotton commerce—from field to fabric—is inextricably tied to the history of this region. Our mission is to share that history with the broader community.”
Work on the new exhibit and classroom space is slated for completion by September 2009.
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