No matter ones feelings on tobacco, its production has a long history in the Suwannee Valley Area. Since the 1920’s, this area has consistently produced some of the highest yielding and finest quality tobacco in the world. Although planted acres have reduced significantly since the tobacco reform act in 2004, the Farm Gate Value is in excess of 7 million dollars to the area in 2017.

UF and Georgia Extension continue to provide tobacco growers with the most current information available by hosting the Annual Florida Tobacco Growers meeting. This years’ meeting topics included market outlook, agronomic and disease management updates and was held at the 4th District Community Center on Tuesday, December 19th.

I also had the opportunity to attend The 48th Tobacco Growers Conference in South Carolina. This conference, held every two years, is the premiere educational event for exchanging information on tobacco research and extension programs. This years’ Co-Chair was Dr. Matthew Vann, Extension Tobacco Specialist, North Carolina State University and a Lafayette County alumni and native.

Tobacco Facts

• It had already long been used in the Americas when European settlers arrived and introduced the practice to Europe, where it became popular
• The production of tobacco is labor intensive and requires a farmer to apply a hands-on approach with regard to pest elimination and crop vitality.
• There are 7 counties in Florida that produce tobacco.
• The most commonly grown tobacco in Florida is Flue-Cured Tobacco.
• Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the fresh leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana.
• Can be consumed, used as an organic pesticide, and in the form of nicotine tartrate it is used in some medicines
• An annual or bi-annual growing 1-3 meters tall with large sticky leaves that contain nicotine.
• It is the most grown plant in the world that is not used for food.

If you would like for information about tobacco or meetings offered, contact your local extension office.

Chris Vann- Extension Agent- Agriculture/4-H

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