News Releases

The tobacco industry's unprecedented adjustments and changes, particularly as a result of the recent producers buyout, are well documented. What is not known, however, is how these changes are affecting production, producers, and the future of the industry.

Researchers with the University of Tennessee Agricultural Policy Analysis Center hope to help industry analysts and producers get a handle on the situation with a new comprehensive survey. They are asking some 6000 burley tobacco producers in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia – including those who have opted out of raising the popular, yet controversial crop – to answer some detailed questions about their operations and to offer insight into their expectations on growing burley in the future.

"The project is the first of its kind for these three traditional tobacco-producing states," said Dr. Kelly Tiller, a tobacco policy expert with UT's APAC. "Our survey is designed to collect general information about burley production, to help us identify how much is being grown, where it's being grown, how production and production practices have changed, and what the future looks like for burley production," she said.

The surveys will be mailed to a random sample of producers in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia over the next two weeks. Responding to the survey should take about 10 minutes. Once the survey data are analyzed, results will be publicly available through University Web sites and publications, county Extension agents, and other outlets.

"The former growers are among the groups we really want to encourage to return the survey," Tiller said. "Those still producing probably have a higher likelihood of returning the survey. Those no longer producing may think it doesn't apply to them, but it would really help to know some things about this group, like why they're no longer producing, where they are, how much production they idled, and what they're doing now," she said. Tiller promised that all responses will be kept confidential.

Tiller explained that research and Extension workers need the data collected from the survey to help keep the industry viable. "We need information to help you and your neighbors stay competitive and profitable in tobacco production," she said. "Even if you no longer produce tobacco, you can provide valuable information."

The survey is being funded in part by the Burley Stabilization Corporation. Producers receiving surveys are asked to return them by May 31. A copy of the survey can be reviewed online at http://www.agpolicy.org/tobacco.html, but producers may only participate if they receive a survey through the mail. For more information, contact Tiller at (865) 974-7407.

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Contact:

Dr. Kelly Tiller, (865) 974-7407
Patricia McDaniels, (865) 974-7141