Tobacco Marketing Season Closes Next Month

Source from:  herald.co.zw Business Reporter 08/16/2007

THE 2007 flue-cured tobacco marketing season will close on September 7 2007, it has been announced. About 80 million kilogrammes of tobacco was expected to go under the hammer this season. As at August 9, 2006, about 61,2 million kg valued at US$143 million had been sold at the country's three auction floors. As at that date again, Government had paid in excess of $3,8 trillion to farmers under its support price. The bulk of the crop was auctioned at an average price of US$2,34 per kg. Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board acting managing director Dr Andrew Matibiri said the decision was reached after consultations with industry stakeholders. Dr Matibiri said the auction floors would be allowed to accept final deliveries on September 6 2006, a day before the closing day. "Following consultations with all stakeholders, the board has decided that the 2007 flue-cured (virginia) tobacco selling season close on Friday, 7 September 2007 with final deliveries being accepted on Thursday 6 September 2007. "All growers are advised to complete their grading and baling operations by 31st August 2007 at the very latest." However, if delivery volumes are high sales would be allowed to continue beyond September 7. Dr Matibiri said the mop-up sales dates would be announced in due course. Enditem