We need to get to work to see if we can get this done. As many as half of all farmers who now grow tobacco might stop growing leaf, according to some estimates. Remaining tobacco growers would work under government licenses and inspections. Farmers see that the quotas may go away. Just last fall, North Carolina growers voted overwhelmingly to keep the quota system.
Contracting bypasses the traditional auction markets.
Several cigarette companies have said they support many of the recommendations but oppose higher excise taxes. The tax rose by 10 cents per pack in 2000. Smokers will pay an additional nickel per pack next year. They could use money from that nickel. The companies could even chip in as their profits go up.