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Operations > SCIP > GAP > Harvesting & Curing |
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Harvesting and curing is the final phase of the tobacco farmer’s field operation that has a significant effect on yield and quality. The crop must be harvested and cured correctly to achieve a high-quality final product. Universal is continually working to develop and implement modern curing barn designs that assist in producing quality leaf, maximize fuel efficiency, and utilize appropriate barn construction materials.
We strive to help farmers improve their curing barns by providing technical information and financial support. The Company is working in many countries to convert flue-cured barns to indirect heat furnaces.
Harvesting ripe and mature leaf reduces fuel usage and time required to properly cure tobaccos, thus reducing the farmer’s cost of production. Higher-capacity, fuel-efficient barn designs further assist in reducing the capital investment and operating capital required by farmers.
In many regions, wood remains an important resource for curing and construction needs. For this reason, Universal has been very active in promoting reforestation. We have provided millions of tree seedlings to tobacco growers and have improved the ability of farms to supply their own wood for curing and barn construction.
Universal has also developed curing structures for air-cured tobaccos that are low-cost and completely recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable.
Proper handling of post-cured tobaccos is critical to maintaining the physical and chemical properties of the leaf. In numerous countries, Universal trains farmers on the proper handling, grading, baling and storage techniques for cured tobaccos in order to maintain both the quality and integrity of the final product.
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P.O. Box 25099 :
Richmond, VA 23260 US :
804-359-9311
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