Research Project on Cut-Strip Tobacco Begins in North Carolina, USA

Source from:  The North Carolina, USA, 05/27/2004

The North Carolina, USA, Tobacco Research Commission has approved a US$65,000 grant for a research project on cut-strip tobacco. The project, which will be carried out at North Carolina State University, will examine the economic feasibility and benefits of cutting green tobacco into hand-sized pieces. This process will allow more leaf to be cured in a barn at a time, offering greater efficiency and cost-savings for producers. As part of the project, engineers will design and implement cutting equipment and monitor curing barns for proper air flow and energy efficiency. Engineers will also look at cycling systems on and off during the curing process to conserve energy. North Carolina Agricultural Commissioner Britt Cobb said, "The commission felt that funding this project was a good investment since industry interest in cut-strip tobacco is strong and this process may offer producers a way to be more competitive in the global economy, particularly if a tobacco quota buyout occurs." Enditem