Cultural, Institutional, And Economic Factors Inhibiting The Transition From Tobacco Cultivation To Alternative Forms Of Agriculture In South Central Appalachia

Abstract

A series of preliminary investigations indicated the strong need for alternatives for tobacco farming. Progressive elements in the communities where the study took place often suggested that this particular economic development issue should be a leading or critical priority.  Nevertheless, when the issue was put to communities at large in subsequent community sustainability studies, there was little enthusiasm among the populace for alternative agriculture initiatives.  The study reported here involved interviews with thirteen tobacco growers, two intermediaries who have grown tobacco themselves and worked among the farmers for many years, and representatives of three entities that have demonstrated success in alternate methods.   The results indicate that there are substantial institutional, economic, and psychological barriers to grower adaption.  The most important institutional barriers are the concentration in retailing and the development of highly centralized buying offices.  The most significant economic barriers are the high start-up costs and variable nature of returns.  Finally, the most salient cultural barrier is a learned helplessness resulting from years of isolation from market forces and an under educated and aging populace in farm communities.