My name is Frank Dukes. I am working with a group of people who are looking at the issues of agricultural diversification and economic development in tobacco growing communities in Virginia.
I work for an organization called the Institute for Environmental Negotiation, part of the University of Virginia. We received a request from U. Va.'s Institute for Quality Health to facilitate discussion among community health providers and tobacco interests about agricultural diversification and economic development in tobacco-growing communities in Virginia. We were asked because of our experience in convening and assisting groups that have diverse views or different interests and who are interested in developing a consensus for action or for reducing conflicts that inhibit potential solutions. In other words, we serve as convenors, facilitators, and often mediators, primarily along the lines of environmental and land use issues.
As we began to speak with potential participants in this discussion, we quickly learned that much work had already been done and that a number of initiatives were ongoing, including a joint legislative study committee and research and extension efforts at Virginia's universities. It made sense, rather than beginning something separate, to work with these other groups where possible to put resources to bear where they would do the most good.
We convened a meeting in November with nearly 50 participants including growers, elected officials, economic development officers, representatives from farm organizations, and other community members, as well as extension agents and researchers from Virginia's universities. The meeting covered four areas:
- it brought together in an informal setting a variety of individuals and groups concerned with the prospects of tobacco-growing communities;
- it offered an opportunity to air concerns about key issues and prospects for the future;
- participants discussed past and current agricultural diversification and economic development initiatives;
- participants then assessed the prospects for ongoing coordination of various local and state initiatives in order to avoid duplication of effort and in order to make these efforts responsive to local community interests and needs.
There was a strong sense among members of grower communities that they are singled out unfairly for criticism, and their contributions are ignored. They argued for additional research and marketing efforts to ensure continued profitability.
At the same time, they strongly supported additional efforts towards agricultural diversification and economic development. Perhaps surprisingly (and perhaps not), there was a good deal of sentiment that the grower community needed to reach out to other groups more usually seen as opponents than supporters, e.g., environmental organizations and health interests.
I have been monitoring this network for several months now and am aware that there is a lot being discussed (and done) along the lines of enhancing the viability of small farms and farm communities. I have not yet seen any discussion relative to tobacco growing in particular or efforts which have brought together traditional farm organizations, advocates for sustainable agriculture, and "traditional" environmental interests, with the added dimension of the health advocates in this case (I am somewhat familiar with an effort in Kentucky led by the Community Farm Alliance).
Does anyone have any specific experiences along these lines they might be willing to share with me? We are looking at next steps, with ideas ranging from a statewide policy "roundtable" made up of diverse representation to pilot projects in certain counties.
Thank you for your assistance.
"Tobacco, divine, rare, superexcellent tobacco, which goes far beyond all their panaceas, potable gold, and philosopher's stones, a sovereign remedy to all diseases. A good vomit, I confess, a virtuous herb, if it be well qualified and opportunely taken, and medicinally used, but as it is commonly abused by most men, which take it as tinkers do ale, 'tis a plague, a mischief, a violent purger of goods, lands, health; hellish, devilish and damned tobacco, the ruin and overthrow of body and soul."
The words of an early 1800's character, Dr. Stephen Maturin, in a novel by Patrick O'Brian.Frank Dukes
Institute for Environmental Negotiation
University of Virginia
Campbell Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22903
804-92401970