He also was an independent oil producer and served as president of Westmoreland Manufacturing and Andrews, Loop & Company, a cotton exporter.

He was born into a wealthy family of cotton exporters, but displayed early stirrings of the social consciousness that would later land him in political exile.

The leading cotton exporter is the United States, whose production continues to increase due to government subsidies, estimated at $14 billion between 1995 and 2003.

A cotton exporter until the early 1980's, El Salvador now imports almost all its cotton.

The subsidies have helped make the United States the world's second-largest cotton producer and the leading cotton exporter, with more than 40 percent of the global market.

Juan Carlos Wasmosy, the ruling party candidate, is Paraguay's leading cotton exporter.

Guillermo Caballero Vargas, the main challenger, is Paraguay's second leading cotton exporter.

The combined aid has helped make the United States the world's top cotton exporter, with more than 40 percent of the world market.

Washington doled out $2 billion in direct cash subsidies to cotton farmers over the past year and another $270 million to cotton exporters.