Wisc. Farmers Testing Burley Tobacco, Philip Morris Interested

Source from:  wric.com 08/25/2006

STOUGHTON, Wis. Burley tobacco has typically been associated with the South. Not anymore. A few farmers in Wisconsin are trying their hand at growing burley tobacco, the primary type of tobacco in cigarettes. The nation's biggest cigarette manufacturer is interested. Richmond-based Philip Morris U-S-A won't say how many acres of burley are being tested in Wisconsin or how much it is investing in the effort, but at least four counties are involved. Philip Morris spokesman Bill Phelps says the climate and soil conditions in Wisconsin "may be beneficial for growing burley." David Fischer -- a crops and soils agent with Dane County through the University of Wisconsin -- says initial testing from tobacco companies has found that some tobacco grown in Wisconsin has low amounts of nitrosamine (nye-TROH'-sah-meen), a precursor to carcinogens. Phelps says the company also has been pleased with returns from other states, including Maryland and Pennsylvania. Enditem