Amidst settlement talks and lawsuits, FDA regulations and discussions of the tobacco price support program at the national level, historic tobacco talks in their own right have been taking place here in Kentucky. In a state where tobacco is part of the very culture of the Commonwealth, cooperation between health groups and tobacco interests was unheard of until a year ago when the Kentucky Health and Agriculture Forum was born.

This effort was initiated when the Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative Association requested a meeting with representatives of the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and American Cancer Society. At that meeting in May of 1996, there was discussion of possible areas of cooperation between health and tobacco interests. Subsequently, another meeting was convened in August of 1996, and additional health and agriculture interests were invited. At that time, the Coalition for Health and Agricultural Development (CHAD) was asked to convene ongoing meetings to bring together leaders in health and agriculture to discuss potential "common ground." Those discussions have taken place at nine additional meetings where there has been agreement from the group that the meetings are worthwhile and should continue.

The following mission statement was developed recently to help give the meetings more focus:

The Health and Agriculture Forum, convened by the Coalition for Health and Agricultural Development, Inc. (CHAD), is a community of pro-farmer/pro-health stakeholders. Our mission is to provide a safe place for people with diverse positions on tobacco issues to work together to sustain health individuals, families, farms, and rural communities, which are all interconnected.

• Appreciate the values and concerns of all participants
• Build trust and strengthen relationships
• Provide an open forum for diverse opinions
• Broaden our network of health and agriculture leaders
• Be clear on areas of disagreement and focus on common goals
• Educate each other, the public and elected officials
• Seek funding for development of projects which is consistent with these goals.

1. Development of a "blueprint" for diversification which would evaluate current efforts, reveal targeted opportunities and recommend a focus or plan for Kentucky. Support for current projects/proposals aimed at strengthening Kentucky agriculture and preparing it for the future.
2. Strengthening the state's youth access law to reduce illegal sales of tobacco products to minors.

While health and agriculture interests cannot agree on many issues, those two fit into the philosophies and goals of each: protecting Kentucky's children while also protecting the family farm.

"Kentucky has set the pace for other tobacco states," said Amy Barkley, Executive Director of CHAD. "Similar groups have now formed in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas, and they are looking to Kentucky as an example of health and agriculture working together."

Most recently, several Forum member organizations have signed a "Resolution of Mutual Understanding Between Organizations and individuals interested in Working Cooperatively to Reduce Underage Tobacco Use While Ensuring Economic Stability and Opportunities in Tobacco Growing States." Similar to a resolution being circulated and signed by various groups in tobacco states and at the national level, the document spells out the concerns of both health and agriculture groups and the need to work together on areas of common ground.