This demand could be guaranteed either in the private marketplace or by actual congressional action through a higher domestic content law. I have met with farmers in Indiana who are similarly situated to farmers in Senator McConnell's state. There are many more burley growers in Kentucky than Indiana, but in both states live tobacco farm families with children to educate and creditors to pay. Some farmers expected the long-term demand for their product to decrease, yet few farmers could have predicted the speed at which this settlement has brought their concerns to a head. I filed suit only in February, and at that time, the discussions we are having now would have been thought ludicrous.
Some farmers are now angrier than ever at the industry.
They feel the industry has deceived them and they do not wish to produce a product that is harmful to the consumer's health. Some want the opportunity to be bought out now. There are many others, though, in fear of what might happen without price guarantees. The quota system has shown to be a successful solidarity of the growers to guarantee them a profit. Should you so choose, this proposed settlement does present an opportunity to make substantial changes in the current tobacco program.