Barren and Metcalfe counties are two of the top tobacco producing counties in Kentucky. Although, total production is down compared to previous years, tobacco still maintains it's spot as one of the top agricultural commodities in the region. Since 2014 all major tobacco companies have required producers to be trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in order to market tobacco. This is due to an increasing concern for consumer health as well as the health and safety of those that work in tobacco. 

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, GAP Connections and the US Labor Department join forces each year to train producers.. The extension agents in Barren and Metcalfe counties have scheduled, hosted, facilitated, and provided materials and resources for the training for the past 7 years. At each training research based information that includes basic tobacco production information along with issues pertaining to worker safety and labor laws has been presented.   Representatives from Migrant Education Services have been on the program each year. All growers are registered with GAP connections and are entered in a system that will record their training history.  Each grower who completes the training program receives a record keeping books, labor management guides, and production guides.

The COVID-19 pandemic required agents to be creative in assisting producers with being able to complete the required training.   Although online training opportunities were available, many producers still do not have or use the internet.  Barren & Metcalfe agriculture extension agents planned a total of 8 sessions (4 in Barren & 4 in Metcalfe) in order to comply with requirements for 10 people of less in a room.  By teaming up, creatively arranging their respective offices, and working their plan, the agents we able to train producers in person.   GAP Connections cooperated with Barren & Metcalfe Extension offices to be sites for distribution of cloth masks for H-2A worker in tobacco.

As a result, those who participated will be able to market approximately 5,600 acres of Burley tobacco and realize a gross income of over $16,000,000.