Success StoryTobacco GAP training 2023



Tobacco GAP training 2023

Author: Robert Pearce

Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences

Major Program: Tobacco

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

US Tobacco GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) is an industry led program designed to insure that tobacco growers in the United States are well informed and follow the best practices for the production of all types of tobacco. Kentucky is the second leading producer of tobacco behind North Carolina, but has the most tobacco growers of any state due to the relatively smaller farm size. Tobacco growers are required to attend an annual training session conducted by Cooperative Extension Specialists.  Through the COVID pandemic we have had to adjust the training methods from in-person to remote and in 2023 to a hybrid training model. I contributed three video training modules to GAP Connections to support online self-directed training for growers who chose this method of training. I also conducted 10 in-person training sessions impacting approximately 600 growers in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.  Dr. Andy Bailey, Dr. Mitchell Richmond (University of Tennessee) and I recorded a zoom training session that was utilized in county Extension offices to train an additional 50+ growers who were unable to attend in-person training.  Through this combination of training methods, we helped growers get their required training prior to the June 30th, 2023, training deadline so they could continue to grow tobacco.  






Stories by Robert Pearce


Frogeye Leaf Spot Management

about 6 years ago by Robert Pearce

Frogeye leaf spot has historically been a relatively low impact disease for tobacco growers until re... Read More


Tobacco GAP Training

about 6 years ago by Robert Pearce

US Tobacco GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) is an industry led program designed to insure that toba... Read More


Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences


Industrial Hemp Production in Kentucky

Industrial Hemp Production in Kentucky

about 6 years ago by Thomas Keene

During the 1800s up until the early 1900s and during World War II, Kentucky led the nation in indust... Read More


Establishing and Grazing Native Grasses on Reclaimed MIne Lands in Eastern Kentucky while Monitoring Wildlife Habiatat

Establishing and Grazing Native Grasses on Reclaimed MIne Lands in Eastern Kentucky while Monitoring Wildlife Habiatat

about 6 years ago by Thomas Keene

In order for people in eastern Kentucky to have and maintain economic stability (now that coal produ... Read More