Sweet deal for struggling tobacco farms

New regulations in the EU mean that tobacco farmers are no longer subsidised by their government. This means that these farmers need new crops to complement or even replace tobacco cultivation.

Sweetleaf (Stevia rebaudiana), a source of natural, sugar-free sweeteners, is one such alternative crop. The EU-funded GO4STEVIA project is promoting the uptake of sweetleaf cultivation by tobacco growers through research and strategic interventions in the industry.

A lab-based model of the human digestive system has been created and validated by researchers. They will use this system to investigate the impacts of sweetleaf compounds on digestion.

GO4STEVIA tested the health effects of sweetleaf consumption in a 90-day trial in rats. Researchers showed it is safe, with no observed changes in health, physiology or behaviour. They are now conducting the same tests as part of a life-time trial in rats.

Another aspect of the project focused on encouraging farmers to grow sweetleaf. This was achieved through agreements between small businesses and organisations involved in sweetleaf production, and a comprehensive market evaluation.

Sweetleaf offers a healthy alternative to sugar and current non-nutritive sweeteners. The work of GO4STEVIA will promote this new crop while also helping struggling European tobacco farmers.