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KY-TN Tobacco Research and Extension Program Scott Smith and Michael Barrett University of Kentucky. Motivating Factors. Tobacco in transition but remains a major crop Strong demand for varieties Restrictions on use of federal funds Fiscal constraints Complementary strengths at KY and TN
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KY-TN Tobacco Research and Extension Program Scott Smith and Michael Barrett University of Kentucky
Motivating Factors • Tobacco in transition but remains a major crop • Strong demand for varieties • Restrictions on use of federal funds • Fiscal constraints • Complementary strengths at KY and TN • Small pool of talent
Special Circumstances • TN had the breeder • 1998: KY tobacco breeder resigns • TN had distinguished, productive program • TN varieties dominant in KY • TN breeder had close KY ties • KY had assets to offer • Tobacco molecular biology • Larger faculty support group • KY distributes fraction of royalties to breeder • Expanded range of facilities
First Joint KY-TN Faculty • Tobacco Breeder (100% research) • Appointed 1999 • Split 60% KY and 40% TN • Full Professor • Tenured at KY and adjunct at TN • Housed at Lexington, KY
10 year agreement – 2 yr termination notice Faculty jointly selected Faculty resident at UK, adjunct at TN 100% research appt, 60-40 UK-TN Faculty evaluation by KY system, full consultation with TN KY bills TN quarterly for salary and benefits Memorandum of AgreementKY-TN Tobacco Improvement Initiative
Memorandum of AgreementKY-TN Tobacco Improvement Initiativecontinued • Equal access to sites in both states • Staff from both KY and TN • Joint releases • Income divided 60-40, individually distributed by KY or TN policy • Grants individually or jointly administered
Second Joint KY-TN Faculty • Dark Tobacco Extension Specialist (75% extension and 25% research) • Appointed in 2002 • Split 75% KY and 25% TN • New Assistant Professor • Will be tenured in KY • Located at Princeton, KY
Why Dark Tobacco? • A specialized crop grown in a restricted area of western TN and KY, high value • 2001: KY Extension Specialist resigns • TN: insufficient extension staff to cover • Long history of collaboration
Is it Working? • Substantial grant support • Extension/research enhanced for both • Strong buy-in from state leadership • Several new joint tobacco varieties released
Faculty Concerns • KY and TN differ in expectations for promotion/evaluation • Creation of a “Special Title Series” for plant breeding • A primary administrative home? • Double the bureaucracy? • Expect a clear benefit (more resources)
Will This Work Elsewhere? • Some important special circumstances – Unique crop, geography, people • Commitment to seek opportunities for joint position(s) located in TN • Importance of good relationships at both faculty and administrative levels