Promoting Economic Development in Virginia’s Tobacco Region
The Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission is a 31-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly. Its purpose is to make payments to farmers to compensate for the decline of tobacco quotas and to promote economic growth and development in tobacco-dependent communities. Click on Who are We at the left to learn more.
To date, the Commission has invested $497 million in regional revitalization projects through more than 1,045 awards from its seven grant programs. The Commission has additionally paid out $216.5 million to date in indemnification payments to Virginia tobacco growers and quota holders. An additional 44,600 Phase I flue-cured and burley quota owner and producer claims totaling $18.8 million have been approved for 2008 distribution. Payments for these claims are currently being distributed. Click here to learn more.
To learn more about Commission's programs click Grant Funding Info at the left. Also be sure to see the profiles below for examples of significant programs and facilities supported by Commission grants.
Blue Ribbon Review Panel
In 2007, Chairman Hawkins formed an ad-hoc Blue Ribbon Review Panel to examine the structure of the Commission and make suggestions as to potential improvements. The Blue Ribbon Review Panel has presented its final recommendations to the Commission, the full report can be viewed below. The Commission met in July to discuss the Blue Ribbon recommendations and adopted a number of the recommendations. For more information on the Blue Ribbon Panel report and implementation contact the Commission's staff.
Blue Ribbon Review Panel Final Report
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