"The Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative was formed in 1921 by a group of tobacco growers in order to address low and volatile prices for tobacco. In 1941, the same civic-minded tobacco growers established Commodity Growers Cooperative (CGC) to work with farmers in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and West Virginia. CGC was also designated to manage a program for hemp seed under federal contract. However, following this war-related production effort, the organization became dormant.
Then in 1993, the Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative reactivated Commodity Growers. These farmers realized that the face of tobacco in the area was changing and that farmers needed to explore some alternative crops to supplement their tobacco income. Pam Clay became the first director hired and formed buying clubs according to the CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) Model. Thus, vegetable production was explored. Following Pam Clay, Karen Armstrong-Cummings came on as director and was then succeeded by the current director, Rick Alexander. Each director, using his or her unique skills, worked with farmers in the area to improve their income in varied ways.
In the '90s, Commodity Growers Cooperative assisted in the establishment of several organizations designed to help farmers and farm groups. According to Rick Alexander, organizations such as Friends of the Lexington Farmers Market, Partners for Family Farms, Kentucky Center for Cooperative Development and the Kentucky Center for Ag Entrepreneurship were helped in being established by CGC efforts. And each of these organizations has brought tremendous support to Kentucky agriculture.
In continuing their support, CGC received a grant from the Office of the Attorney General for $250,000. These funds provided much-needed aid to farmers throughout Kentucky in their diversification efforts. This grant became the precursor of the Tobacco Settlement monies now being distributed by the Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy. Much of the format used for that program is used today with the County Model Programs funded with tobacco settlement funds.
Between 2002 and 2006, Commodity Growers Cooperative focused its efforts on the training and education of farm families. Rick Alexander elaborated on these training efforts and other efforts supporting our agricultural community: "Computer for Farm Use training was developed in cooperation with Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) during that timeframe. This training included training on how to use the computer and software, plus supplied a refurbished computer for a nominal fee. Other training classes offered included welding, diesel mechanics, and electrical. Through KCTCS, these classes have been offered all over the state.
Another CGC initiative was developing markets for horticulture and forage products. In 2004, Buffalo Trace Produce and Hay Auction was established. CGC applied for and received funding from the Ag Development Board and the Mason County Fiscal Court. Five county councils invested funds into this project — Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason and Robertson counties. Still today, the auction provides a market for these products."
Currently, Commodity Growers Cooperative provides educational and regulatory compliance assistance along with labor recruiting for agricultural employees in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and West Virginia. The goal of CGC is to build prosperous family farms and strong communities through information technology, agriculture diversification, coalition focus and policy development. Kentucky is very lucky to have this kind of support on our side. We must never forget the importance of agriculture to our lives and the future that our lives produce."