Key Insights
The North American cotton market, encompassing the United States, Canada, and Mexico, presents a dynamic landscape characterized by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.91% from 2019 to 2024. While precise market size figures for 2019-2024 are unavailable, leveraging the provided 4.91% CAGR and considering the global cotton market's size and North America's significant role as a consumer and, to a lesser extent, producer, a reasonable estimation places the North American market value in the range of $5-7 billion USD in 2024. This growth is driven by increasing demand from the textile and apparel industries, fueled by population growth and evolving fashion trends. The rise of sustainable and organic cotton further boosts market segments. However, challenges exist. Fluctuations in cotton prices due to global supply chain vulnerabilities and weather patterns pose significant restraints. Competition from synthetic fibers also presents a challenge. The market is segmented by cotton variety (Upland, Pima, Organic) and application (Textiles, Apparel, Home Furnishings). Key players like BASF, Bayer CropScience, and various agricultural investment companies significantly impact market dynamics through their involvement in seed production, processing, and distribution. The dominance of Upland cotton within the North American market reflects its cost-effectiveness and suitability for a broad range of applications. Future growth will depend on successful navigation of pricing volatility and the continued adoption of sustainable and innovative cotton production methods.
Looking forward, the forecast period of 2025-2033 suggests continued expansion. Assuming a consistent CAGR of 4.91%, the North American cotton market is projected to surpass $8 billion USD by 2033. Growth will be fueled by strategic investments in advanced farming techniques and technological innovations aimed at improving cotton yields and quality. A focus on eco-friendly production methods will be crucial to meet the rising demand for sustainable cotton products. However, careful management of supply chains and proactive measures to address climate change impacts on cotton production will be essential to ensuring long-term market stability and growth. The strategic partnerships between agricultural companies and textile manufacturers are expected to enhance the overall market efficiency and reduce production costs, further contributing to market expansion.
North America Cotton Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033)
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the North America cotton market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a base year of 2025 and an estimated year of 2025, the report offers valuable insights into historical trends (2019-2024) and future projections (2025-2033). It examines market concentration, innovation, industry trends, dominant segments, product developments, and key players, delivering actionable intelligence for stakeholders across the cotton value chain. The report quantifies market size in Millions for all values.

North America Cotton Market Market Concentration & Innovation
This section analyzes the North America cotton market's competitive landscape, focusing on market concentration, innovation drivers, regulatory influences, and market dynamics. The report details the market share of key players, including BASF, Bayer CropScience, and other significant participants. It assesses the impact of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities, estimating the value of significant deals concluded during the study period at approximately xx Million. Innovation drivers are explored, highlighting the role of technological advancements in seed genetics, pest management, and fiber processing. The regulatory framework's influence on market growth, including environmental regulations and trade policies, is examined. The report also explores the presence and impact of product substitutes, such as synthetic fibers, and evolving end-user trends.
- Market Share Analysis: Detailed breakdown of market share for key players, including BASF, Bayer CropScience, and others.
- M&A Activity: Analysis of major M&A deals and their impact on market structure, with estimated deal values totaling xx Million.
- Innovation Drivers: Examination of key technological advancements shaping the cotton industry and their market impact.
- Regulatory Landscape: Assessment of environmental regulations and trade policies influencing market dynamics.
- Substitute Products: Analysis of the competitive threat posed by synthetic fibers and other substitutes.
- End-User Trends: Evaluation of shifts in demand and consumption patterns across various applications.
North America Cotton Market Industry Trends & Insights
This section provides a comprehensive overview of the North America cotton market's growth trajectory and underlying dynamics. It analyzes market growth drivers, such as increasing demand from the textile and apparel industries, technological advancements enhancing yield and quality, and shifting consumer preferences towards sustainable and ethically sourced cotton. The report quantifies market growth using a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033). Technological disruptions, such as precision agriculture and biotechnology advancements, are evaluated. The competitive dynamics between key players, including BASF, Bayer CropScience, and others, are also thoroughly examined, including their market penetration strategies. The impact of consumer preferences for organic and sustainably produced cotton on market segmentation is also discussed.

Dominant Markets & Segments in North America Cotton Market
This section identifies the leading segments within the North America cotton market, analyzing both variety (Upland, Pima, Organic) and application (Textiles, Apparel, Home Furnishings). The report pinpoints the dominant region or country within North America based on production volume, consumption, and market value. Detailed analysis explores the factors driving the dominance of these segments.
- Variety:
- Upland: Dominance driven by factors such as xx.
- Pima: Factors contributing to market share include xx.
- Organic: Growth fueled by increasing consumer demand for sustainable products and xx.
- Application:
- Textiles: Market share and growth drivers include xx.
- Apparel: Market share and growth drivers include xx.
- Home Furnishings: Market share and growth drivers include xx.
- Key Drivers: Detailed analysis of economic policies, infrastructure development, and other factors contributing to the dominance of specific segments and regions.
North America Cotton Market Product Developments
This section summarizes recent innovations in cottonseed varieties, processing technologies, and fiber enhancements. It highlights the competitive advantages offered by these advancements, including improved yields, enhanced fiber quality, and increased pest resistance. The market fit of these innovations and the role of technological trends are evaluated, referencing specific examples like BASF's and Americot's new product launches (detailed in the Key Developments section).
Report Scope & Segmentation Analysis
This report segments the North America cotton market based on variety (Upland, Pima, Organic) and application (Textiles, Apparel, Home Furnishings). Growth projections, market sizes, and competitive dynamics are analyzed for each segment. Specific details on market size (in Millions) and anticipated growth rates are provided for each category. For example, the Upland cotton segment is projected to reach xx Million by 2033, driven by xx. The Apparel application segment is expected to witness significant growth due to xx.
Key Drivers of North America Cotton Market Growth
The growth of the North America cotton market is propelled by several factors. Increasing global demand for cotton textiles and apparel, driven by population growth and rising disposable incomes, is a key driver. Technological advancements in seed genetics, leading to higher yields and improved fiber quality, significantly contribute to market expansion. Government policies promoting sustainable agriculture practices, including support for organic cotton production, further stimulate growth.
Challenges in the North America Cotton Market Sector
The North America cotton market faces challenges, including fluctuations in cotton prices, impacted by global supply and demand dynamics. Adverse weather conditions affecting crop yields pose a significant risk. Increased competition from synthetic fibers and other substitute materials creates pressure on market share. The industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, impacting production costs and competitiveness.
Emerging Opportunities in North America Cotton Market
The North America cotton market presents opportunities in several areas. The growing demand for organic and sustainable cotton offers significant potential for growth. Investments in precision agriculture technologies and innovations in water-efficient irrigation systems are creating new market avenues. Developing high-value cotton products for niche applications, such as high-performance textiles, presents further growth potential.
Leading Players in the North America Cotton Market Market
- BASF
- Almarai
- BinDawood Group
- Americot
- Zahid Group
- Al Rajhi Group
- Nadec
- Savola Group
- Bayer CropScience
- Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC)
Key Developments in North America Cotton Market Industry
- February 2021: BASF launched three new cottonseed varieties: one FiberMax and two dicamba-tolerant Stoneville varieties. This strengthened their product portfolio and enhanced their market position.
- February 2021: Americot expanded its NexGen line with three new Bollgard 3 XtendFlex varieties, offering growers higher-yielding, high-quality options. This broadened their product offerings and increased market competitiveness.
Strategic Outlook for North America Cotton Market Market
The North America cotton market holds significant long-term potential. Continued innovation in seed technology, coupled with rising global demand and increasing consumer preference for sustainable cotton, will drive market expansion. Strategic investments in research and development, coupled with sustainable agricultural practices, will be crucial for achieving sustained growth and enhancing market competitiveness in the coming years.
North America Cotton Market Segmentation
- 1. Production Analysis
- 2. Consumption Analysis
- 3. Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume)
- 4. Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume)
- 5. Price Trend Analysis
North America Cotton Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. United States
- 2. Canada
- 3. Mexico

North America Cotton Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 4.91% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Increasing Adoption of Technology in Horticulture; Government Initiatives for Self-reliance in Vegetable and Fruit Farming
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Limited Resource Availability and Unfavourable Climatic Condition; Increasing Reliance on Imports for Domestic Supply
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Demand from the Global Textile Industry Drives the Market
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. North America Cotton Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Production Analysis
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Consumption Analysis
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume)
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume)
- 5.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Price Trend Analysis
- 5.6. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.6.1. United States
- 5.6.2. Canada
- 5.6.3. Mexico
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Production Analysis
- 6. United States North America Cotton Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Production Analysis
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Consumption Analysis
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume)
- 6.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume)
- 6.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Price Trend Analysis
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Production Analysis
- 7. Canada North America Cotton Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Production Analysis
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Consumption Analysis
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume)
- 7.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume)
- 7.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Price Trend Analysis
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Production Analysis
- 8. Mexico North America Cotton Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Production Analysis
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Consumption Analysis
- 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume)
- 8.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume)
- 8.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Price Trend Analysis
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Production Analysis
- 9. United States North America Cotton Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10. Canada North America Cotton Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Mexico North America Cotton Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Rest of North America North America Cotton Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Competitive Analysis
- 13.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 13.2. Company Profiles
- 13.2.1 BASF
- 13.2.1.1. Overview
- 13.2.1.2. Products
- 13.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.2 Almarai
- 13.2.2.1. Overview
- 13.2.2.2. Products
- 13.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.3 BinDawood Group
- 13.2.3.1. Overview
- 13.2.3.2. Products
- 13.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.4 Americot
- 13.2.4.1. Overview
- 13.2.4.2. Products
- 13.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.5 Zahid Group
- 13.2.5.1. Overview
- 13.2.5.2. Products
- 13.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.6 Al Rajhi Group
- 13.2.6.1. Overview
- 13.2.6.2. Products
- 13.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.7 Nadec
- 13.2.7.1. Overview
- 13.2.7.2. Products
- 13.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.8 Savola Group
- 13.2.8.1. Overview
- 13.2.8.2. Products
- 13.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.9 Bayer CropScience
- 13.2.9.1. Overview
- 13.2.9.2. Products
- 13.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.10 Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC)
- 13.2.10.1. Overview
- 13.2.10.2. Products
- 13.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.1 BASF
List of Figures
- Figure 1: North America Cotton Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Cotton Market Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Production Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Production Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Consumption Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Consumption Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Price Trend Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Price Trend Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: United States North America Cotton Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: United States North America Cotton Market Volume (Kiloton) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Canada North America Cotton Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Canada North America Cotton Market Volume (Kiloton) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Mexico North America Cotton Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Mexico North America Cotton Market Volume (Kiloton) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Rest of North America North America Cotton Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Rest of North America North America Cotton Market Volume (Kiloton) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Production Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Production Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Consumption Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Consumption Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Price Trend Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Price Trend Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Production Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Production Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Consumption Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Consumption Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 43: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 44: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 45: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Price Trend Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 46: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Price Trend Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 47: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 48: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 49: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Production Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 50: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Production Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 51: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Consumption Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 52: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Consumption Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 53: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 54: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 55: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 56: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume) 2019 & 2032
- Table 57: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Price Trend Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 58: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Price Trend Analysis 2019 & 2032
- Table 59: North America Cotton Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 60: North America Cotton Market Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the North America Cotton Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 4.91%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the North America Cotton Market?
Key companies in the market include BASF , Almarai , BinDawood Group , Americot , Zahid Group , Al Rajhi Group , Nadec , Savola Group , Bayer CropScience, Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC).
3. What are the main segments of the North America Cotton Market?
The market segments include Production Analysis, Consumption Analysis, Import Market Analysis (Value & Volume), Export Market Analysis (Value & Volume), Price Trend Analysis.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XXX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Increasing Adoption of Technology in Horticulture; Government Initiatives for Self-reliance in Vegetable and Fruit Farming.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Demand from the Global Textile Industry Drives the Market.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Limited Resource Availability and Unfavourable Climatic Condition; Increasing Reliance on Imports for Domestic Supply.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
February 2021: BASF added three new cottonseed varieties to its cotton portfolio; one new FiberMax cottonseed variety and two new dicamba-tolerant Stoneville cottonseed varieties in the United States.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million and volume, measured in Kiloton.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "North America Cotton Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the North America Cotton Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the North America Cotton Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the North America Cotton Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence