Tobacco Farmers Waiting for an Ottawa Exit Plan

Source from:  Updated Thu. Jun. 22 2006 12:53 PM ET Canadian Press TILLSONBURG, Ont. 06/23/2006

Ontario's tobacco farmers are still waiting for an exit plan promised to them by the federal government. Langton-area farmer Frank Schoneberger says questions are being raised by the farming community after roundtable talks were held to discuss the bio-fuels industry. Schoneberger says officials need to be at the table to resolve the tobacco crisis as well. He says farmers keen to get out of the tobacco farming business are worried talks will cease as the legislature prepares to rest for the summer. Schoneberger adds the province's exit plan needs to be fair and equitable, similar to one offered to American producers. Ontario farmers are asking for three dollars and thirty cents per pound to help them get out of the tobacco business. Enditem