The role of the tobacco agronomist has changed remarkably over the last half-century. No longer are agronomists simply called upon to conduct applied research or to provide expertise and training in applied agriculture, but rather all of these things and much more. The responsibilities of the tobacco agronomist have transitioned to those which require in-depth knowledge of the global tobacco industry, the complexities of governmental oversight and regulation, new and emerging technologies that are useful to the industry as a whole, the intricacies of agricultural ecosystems and sustainability, and the various socio-political issues that are unique to a diversity of leaf origins. This presentation will focus on specific transitions in duties and initiatives that serve to sustain the global tobacco industry, and will provide insight as to where and how agronomists will navigate the next half-century.