Alternatives Eyed for Tobacco Crops

Source from:  By Gary Burton Times editor  03/31/2005

Tobacco was the first cash crop in America and it continues to be a major source of income for farmers - especially in Cheatham County. But stronger anti-smoking legislation and the increased cost of production has many people looking for alternatives to growing tobacco. A former tobacco farmer, Ken Givens, is commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Raised in a tobacco-producing family, he said tobacco alternatives are a fact of life whose time in the market has come. "With the buy-out behind us, people can grow all the tobacco they want," he said. "But, there is no 'safety net' like there is with other crops." Tony Johnson, an agribusiness professor at Middle Tennessee State University, recently said grape production could help take the place of tobacco in the state with only 450 acres currently being grown. "Grapes, tomatoes, even corn - these are all great alternatives to tobacco production," Givens said. "At least if the market bottoms out on any of those, you can always take the product home and eat it. You can't do that with tobacco." Givens said corn production would have another benefit over tobacco in that the grain could be used to create ethanol or 'gasohol' - especially important with rising fuel prices. "An ethanol plant was recently built in Hopkinsville, Ky., which wouldn't be too far from Cheatham County," he said. "And they already have one in Louden, Tenn. These type of facilities will help drive the demand for quality Tennessee corn." Educating area farmers about alternatives is also important to Givens. He said places like the University of Tennessee Extension Service has been working to inform growers of tobacco alternatives in their area. "The more information we can give the farmer, the better decisions they can make," he said. Charles Head, a longtime Cheatham County tobacco farmer, said tobacco alternatives are important, but will probably not become successful unless the profitability of other crops increases. "I've tried other stuff like grapes, blackberries and even pumpkins," he said. "But unless there is some profit in it or a better marketing situation, it will never be able to completely replace tobacco as a cash crop." State Senator Rosalind Kurita said tobacco companies are sending experts to other countries in an attempt to teach the people there how to grow American leaf. "That really undercuts our farmers here," she said. "That's what is causing this squeeze to begin with. Farmers are at the mercy of these tobacco companies." Kurita agreed with Givens in that education was key to improving Tennessee crops. The University of Tennessee is working night and day to find good cash crops for our farmers," she said. "Tennessee farmers have always been very creative. I'm sure we can all look toward the future and see what will help them prosper." Enditem