Center For Tobacco Grower Research
The Center for Tobacco Grower Research (CTGR) was created in 2007 at the University of Tennessee to conduct timely research in the areas of tobacco production, economics, and markets that will provide information to support the U.S. production of burley, flue-cured, dark and other types of tobacco. CTGR has a database of over 8,000 former and current tobacco growers (and growing) that volunteered from 14 different states to help provide vital information about current and future tobacco production and marketing. CTGR greatly appreciates the participation of all the growers and hopes to provide the growers and industry with valuable information about U.S. tobacco production.
Tobacco Budgeting System
To help growers make better decisions about their tobacco operation the CTGR developed, with the help of the coordinating Universities, the Tobacco Budgeting System (TBS). The TBS is an annual budget generator for tobacco that allows growers to have an interactive budget tool to calculate their current costs of production. The tool allows growers to test different scenarios such as increases or decreases in disease pressure and input costs. We will be updating the database of common chemicals and machinery along with prices to help create a realistic cost structure for growers. Growers can save and print these budgets for their records.
To learn more about the Tobacco Budgeting System or to download the program click here.
NEW! 2011-2012 Online County Agent Survey Results
An online survey of Extension agents in tobacco producing states was conducted from January 2012 to March 2012. An invitation to participate in the online survey was sent to over 350 county Extension agents in 14 states. CTGR received responses from 174 counties from 13 states. For a quick look check out the survey’s Snapshot.
Good Agricultural Practices Focus Groups
Considering the increased importance of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in tobacco production, the Center for Tobacco Grower Research (CTGR) selected GAP as a topic for focus groups. The purpose of the focus groups was to assess tobacco growers’ views, experiences, challenges and benefits of a GAP program for tobacco. The Center conducted GAP focus groups with a total of 24 tobacco growers from six counties within North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. To read the summary of the focus groups click here.
Get Informed: Labor Laws
Do you know what employee records are required by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor? Do you know what the requirements for Farm Labor Contractors (FLCs) and Farm Labor Contractor Employees (FLCEs)? The Wage and Hour Division is responsible for administering several statutes that protect different types of agricultural workers, including:
- The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- The Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA)
- The H-2A visa program
- The Field Sanitation Provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act
Find out more about these statutes and requirements by visiting the Wage and Hour Division’s website for Agricultural Employment. Also, find out more about the records required by the FLSA by checking out the employment law guide.
Sponsorship
CTGR coordinates with other tobacco state universities who remain committed to providing tobacco producers and stakeholders with timely, unbiased transparent information about the industry. CTGR research and outreach are supported by grants from the tobacco industry and stakeholders. To find more information about your organization becoming a sponsor, please contact Jane Starnes by phone at (865) 974-0414 or by email at jhstarnes@utk.edu.
Contact Us
Center for Tobacco Grower Research
2621 Morgan Circle Drive
302B Morgan Hall
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865.974.0414
ctgr@utk.edu