1. KY-TN Tobacco Research and Extension Program Scott Smith and Michael Barrett University of Kentucky

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Memorandum of Agreement KY-TN Tobacco Improvement Initiative 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

6. Memorandum of Agreement KY-TN Tobacco Improvement Initiative continued 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Is it Working? –Substantial grant support –Extension/research enhanced for both –Strong buy-in from state leadership –Several new joint tobacco varieties released

10. 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)

11. 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