Kentucky farm families searching for ways to supplement farm income will be the big winners from a $250,000 gift provided by the Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.

Brown and Williamson's contribution has been matched through the Kentucky Research Challenge Trust Fund program which will raise the total endowment to $500,000.

The interest earnings from this fund will be used to support UK research that develops sustainable, profitable crop production systems for family farms.

A major portion of the money will initially be used to acquire modern equipment and facilities needed for applied field research to be conducted at the College's substations strategically located throughout the state.

"It is becoming increasingly difficult to provide the resources needed for high quality agricultural research in the field," said Scott Smith, Associate Dean for Research in the UK College of Agriculture. " Field equipment may not be as glamorous as gene sequencers and mass spectrometers, but it is just as essential to our success."

"During these years of change and challenge for family farms the need is greater than ever for the new ideas and new information which can only be developed in vigorous, innovative research programs," said Oran C. Little, Dean of the UK College of Agriculture. " We are grateful to Brown & Williamson for their substantial contribution to our efforts in support of Kentucky farmers."

"Brown and Williamson is pleased to make this contribution," said Earl Kohnhorst, president of the Louisville-based company's domestic business. "This reflects our commitment to the tobacco farming community and recognizes the important role that UK and its College of Agriculture plays. This contribution also represents our investment in the future of tobacco."