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Operations > SCIP > GAP > Crop Production |
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Universal has an historical involvement in producing tobaccos around the world. The Company continues to conduct and support cutting edge research in tobacco leaf production, and supports the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices and Best Industry Practices in the leaf production sector.
Universal has developed and introduced new seedling production technologies that improve the quality and uniformity of tobacco seedlings and significantly reduce the use of methyl bromide. We continue to research seedling production systems that utilize recyclable, biodegradable trays and materials. This advances our goals of being good stewards of the land and reflects our environmental responsibility.
Universal endeavors to introduce the principles and techniques of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to our farmers around the world. We view IPM as a valuable tool to improve not only the quality of our tobacco, but to minimize the use of pesticides and their impact on the environment. A fully functional IPM program not only aids in the sustainability of tobacco production, but it assists in minimizing the cost of production for the farmer.
The protection of natural resources is an integrated philosophy throughout Universal’s agronomy operations. Universal has implemented many management practices aimed at protecting soil, water, air, and forest resources. Throughout the tobacco producing areas of the world, Universal has introduced practices such as contour plowing, contour planting, and no-till tobacco production to reduce soil erosion and protect water resources. Proper harvesting, well-designed and maintained curing barns, and active reforestation programs all assist in improving air, water, and soil quality.
Universal’s expert agronomists and technicians provide training on these and many more topics to the farming community. Our agronomists and technicians regularly visit and meet with our growers and gather a wide array of information on farmer practices, crop performance, and yield and quality data. This information is used to continuously improve our global agronomic efforts.
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P.O. Box 25099 :
Richmond, VA 23260 US :
804-359-9311
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