In the past two years alone, the allotment has been reduced more than 30 percent. And prices haven't increased to make up the difference. This war on tobacco may simply kill Thompson's way of life. You better believe we are. And there is no easy solution to the problems he faces.
Tobacco remains the primary cash crop of the state's multibillion dollar farm industry.
The leading tobacco companies have agreed to pay billions of dollars to states, including North Carolina, as part of a settlement designed to deal with scores of lawsuits. Thompson believes farmers should receive funds on an annual basis pegged to their share of the allotment, but there continues to be rancor among the farmers about how money should be divided. Others want everyone included in the program. But he won't argue with anyone about tobacco as a health threat. It's not a health issue.