Tobacco Growers Facing Increasing Pressures

Source from:  By Doug Avram For the Times-Journal 07/12/2005

More than 150 people were in attendance at the annual Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers' Marketing Boards 48th annual general meeting Thursday in Aylmer. After the 2005 annual report was presented to the members, the board chairman Fred Neukamm addressed his fellow growers and guest. Neukamm indicated in his remarks that the board was actively engaged in looking to capitalize on export markets. He also outlined the tribulations of the tobacco market place in Canada as growers faced increasing pressures from various agencies outside their control that are taking its toll on the Canadian tobacco growers. Neukamm praised the various mayors and other political figures who have stood up for the growers' right to farm and market their legal product. Former Ontario agriculture minister Steve Peters was given accolades for keeping his promise to provide $35 million for the tobacco transition fund. "The Tobacco Adjustment Assistance Program (TAAP) that was implemented this year will result in the cancellation of approximately 51 million pounds of Basic Production Quota. We welcomed the federal and provincial governments' contribution to the TAAP. Clearly, the funds were not sufficient to eliminate our problems. We see the TAAP as an initial step towards a plan to secure a long-term industry solution for tobacco farmers -- a solution that includes government, tobacco manufacturers and farmers," said Neukamm. "We have bought ourselves some time, nothing else," continued Neukamm, "It is time to find a permanent solution." Enditem