A $2 million gift from Altria will establish the Endowed Chair in Tobacco Growers Sustainability in the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, according to an April 27 announcement.
The endowed chair is intended to strengthen support for Kentucky’s tobacco growers and address changes within the industry. The position will focus on research, teaching, and outreach to promote sustainable tobacco production.
“As new uses are established and tobacco markets shift, this generous gift will allow the college to continue to focus on emerging areas of innovation,” said Laura Stephenson, vice president for Land-grant Engagement and dean of Martin-Gatton CAFE. “Tobacco is an important part of Kentucky’s agricultural economy. Continuing to serve our growers, students and industry through research and education will help us address evolving challenges and strengthen the long-term sustainability of tobacco production.”
Commissioner Jonathan Shell from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture said: “Tobacco has played a defining role in Kentucky’s agricultural heritage for generations. While the industry continues to evolve, thousands of Kentucky farmers still rely on tobacco as an important part of their operations. This investment will help ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation, supporting growers with the research and tools they need to stay competitive and sustainable. I encourage others across the industry to join in supporting these efforts to secure a strong future for tobacco in Kentucky.”
Altria’s contribution builds on its longstanding relationship with Martin-Gatton CAFE through support for research programs related to burley and dark-fire tobacco as well as scholarships and leadership initiatives. Jon Moore, President and CEO of Philip Morris USA (PM USA), said: “PM USA has a long history of working with growers and universities to support the long-term sustainability and vibrancy of tobacco farming. These investments complement PM USA’s ongoing commercial purchases of U.S.-grown tobacco and our longstanding business relationships with American tobacco farmers. We know these universities play a vital role in advancing agriculture in the region, and as an American company based in Virginia, this is personal to us.”
The Martin-Gatton College secures funding through external research grants exceeding $48.7 million annually along with scholarships surpassing $1.2 million according to its official website. The college advances social impacts by enhancing lives both locally in Kentucky and globally via its graduates according to its official website. Facilities such as Agriculture Science Center North in Lexington are used alongside ongoing improvements at other teaching labs according to its official website. As part of UK’s land-grant system according to its official website, it includes more than 2,600 students while extending programs reaching about 4.8 million contacts worldwide according to its official website.
The new endowed chair aims for continued service through education, outreach, agronomic production studies, utilization research—and direct engagement with growers throughout Kentucky.
