Tobacco Farmers Uncertain About Crop Targets

Source from:  by Newsroom on 2007/5/18 05/23/2007

The May 24 long holiday weekend is traditionally when tobacco farmers start planting their crops in Norfolk. However this year, farmers are starting planting without a crop target. The local tobacco board says a crop size has yet to be set, and an exit package has yet to be announced. Tobacco board chair Fred Neukamm says the board proposed to the government an exit package of $3.30 a pound, and that was turned down. The board countered with $2.62 a pound, and that offer, has also been shot down. Haldimand Norfolk MP Diane Finley says she is hoping for an exit strategy to be announced before June 14, when the house rises for the summer. Meanwhile, Neukamm has sent a letter to growers indicating the crop size would likely be in the range of 31-36 million pounds. Enditem