Tobacco Associates to Host 79th Annual Meeting, Focusing on Export Growth

The Tobacco Associates (TA) will convene its 79th Annual Meeting on March 6, 2026, at the Wilson County Agricultural Center. The meeting, scheduled from 10 a.m. To 12 p.m. Followed by lunch, will center on the theme “Beyond the Bale: Building Value through Partnership,” emphasizing collaborative efforts to bolster U.S. Flue-cured tobacco export promotion and expand global market opportunities.

Key Speakers and Agenda

The program features a lineup of industry experts and leaders, including:

• Scott Sink, President of the Virginia Farm Bureau, will deliver remarks on the state of the agricultural sector. Sink was elected president in December 2024, marking a new era of leadership for the organization.
• Kristi Boswell, Agriculture Regulatory Counsel at Alston & Bird, will provide updates on H-2A AEWR litigation.
• Dr. Jeffrey Dorfman, Hugh C. Kiger Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University, will discuss planting considerations and economic outlooks for the tobacco industry.
• Scott Gupton, Country Manager at Alliance One International, will present an overview of the global flue-cured tobacco outlook.
• Kimberly Foley, Executive Director of TA, will deliver the association’s annual export promotion report.

Representatives from members of Congress and candidates are also expected to address attendees.

Focus on Export Demand

TA’s programs are specifically designed to stimulate export demand for U.S.-produced flue-cured tobacco. The association plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade and supporting American tobacco farmers.

Registration

Attendees are requested to confirm their participation by March 3, 2026.

Virginia Farm Bureau Leadership

The participation of Scott Sink, President of the Virginia Farm Bureau, highlights the close relationship between tobacco growers and the broader agricultural community in Virginia. Sink, who operates SES Agricultural Enterprises, which produces beef cattle and hay and also owns Hethwood Market in Blacksburg, brings a diverse agricultural background to his leadership role.

He holds degrees in agricultural economics from Virginia Tech and has been actively involved with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation for many years, including serving as Vice President since 2012.