Interview with Charles E. Barnhart, August 12, 1997

Interview Summary

In this session, Dr. Charles E. Barnhart discusses issues relating to tobacco. He mentions the legislation passed by the Kentucky General Assembly (Winter/Spring 1972), which established the 3 1/2 percent tax per pack of cigarettes, the funds going for the study of tobacco and health-related issues. He talks about the formation of the University of Kentucky Tobacco and Health Research Institute, stating one of the main objectives of the project was to "develop a safe cigarette". Barnhart describes how the College of Agriculture and the Medical Center worked together with outside evaluators for these research projects and he recalls the location and development of the building for the research program as well as several of the directors. He discusses types of research projects such as tobacco plant hybridization and fertilization and chemical control in regard to (tobacco) leaf production. Barnhart discusses some of the sources of funding for the program, indicating the enormous increase in resources donated by the tobacco industry for research.

Barnhart recalls learning about the tobacco industry, the relationships he developed with people in the tobacco companies, and the growing relationship between the tobacco companies and the College of Agriculture. He mentions the Young Farmer Leadership Program sponsored by Phillip Morris for young tobacco farmers to study tobacco production. Barnhart talks about funding support for other agricultural programs from agricultural-related industry or people interested in agriculture, and how it was allocated. He talks about the original mission of the Land Grant Contract and how fundraising fits in with this concept.

Interview LC Subject

Agriculture. Barnhart, Charles E., 1923- Barnhart, Charles E., 1923- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.