Now, only tobacco sold at auction is inspected, graded and priced according to a federal system. Mr. Clinton ordered the creation of the commission in September. Increasing imports of cheaper foreign tobacco and declining cigarette sales have led to cuts in the amount of leaf U.S. growers can sell under a federal quota system designed to stabilize prices. Mr. Kuegel, president of the Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative, said the commission's preliminary report will be released in two weeks. Tobacco that farmers sell directly to companies is not subject to federal inspection or pricing.
Health advocates have their own reasons for wanting inspections.
Federal inspectors can ensure farmers are not improperly using pesticides or other chemicals, said Scott Ballin, a consultant to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. As for FDA regulation, Messrs. Ballin and Kuegel say it would lead to important labeling requirements. Both want to require manufacturers to state on cigarette packs how much of the tobacco blend comes from overseas and how much is grown domestically. Mr. Kuegel acknowledged that some farmers have opposed FDA regulation. But he added that they would benefit from labeling, because consumers prefer U.S. leaf.