Tobacco Farmers Face Uncertainty in Post-Buyout World

Source from:  By: Associated Press (FAYETTEVILLE) 01/14/2005

As planting season nears, tobacco farmers face a dilemma. Many have yet to decide whether to take a chance on tobacco in a post-buyout world. While some farmers say they'll stick with the crop that has provided a good living for decades, others say tobacco is just not worth growing anymore. Congress in October passed a $10 billion buyout of a Depression-era price support system. No longer is a good price guaranteed, and uncertainties abound. Tim Priest is a 49-year-old farmer who tends about 250 acres near the Moore County town of Carthage. Last year, he grew 40 acres of flue-cured tobacco, and he plans to stick with it this year. Priest has been offered a contract to grow directly for Philip Morris, the nation's largest cigarette maker. Priest says he's weighing his options. Enditem