If the program were eliminated, allowing anyone who wishes to grow tobacco and sell it at a market rate, then tobacco production would likely go up, the price would drop, and the price of cigarettes would drop - making them more affordable, especially to young people. Many health advocates and farmers agree that part of the tobacco settlement should be dedicated to the development and diversification of tobacco-based economies. Many tobacco growers also support policies aimed at preventing youths from using tobacco products. In addition, both sides agree on the need for controls on imported tobacco, which can contain unregulated additives, pesticides, and reconstituted leaf. The consensus goes only so far.
Many farmers have no desire to get out of the tobacco-growing business.
And for health advocates, the ultimate goal is to end smoking in America. But Scott Ballin, head of the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids and a longtime participant in dialogues with farmers, thinks continued discussion is useful. And we would hope that, on your side, you'd do a better job of trying to educate the other farmers. Tobacco is their life. They have a real passion for their profession.