Implementation and Assessment of Mechanical Burley Tobacco Harvesting Systems in France during 2012

ABSTRACT: The work to performed under the contract is as follows: Visit locations in France in order to observe and analyze the drying procedure in racks. Provide assistance to improve and validate burley tobacco production methods for harvest using the GCHI mechanical burley tobacco harvesting system (see ATTACHMENT 1). Provide assistance in specifying "best practices" for curing burley tobacco in racks as harvested by the GCHI mechanical burley tobacco harvesting system at times and locations in France as indicated by climatic conditions (see ATTACHMENT 1). Analyze surveys of producers which employ the GCHI mechanical burley tobacco harvesting system in France during 2012 to evaluate satisfaction with the harvesting process and results of curing (see ATTACHMENT 1). Provide a comprehensive report describing operation of a prototype system for processing cured burley tobacco for sale under development at the University of Kentucky including ergonomic factors, efficiency considerations and economic analysis of potential use by growers (see ATTACHMENT 1). Accompany a SPONSOR representative(s) to observe operation of the University of Kentucky Provide prototype system for processing cured burley tobacco during 2012 as well as to visit a typical range of cured burley tobacco processing operations in the United States (see ATTACHMENT 1).