Friday, May 26, 2000
Ky. tobacco farmers get $140 million
By
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — For the second consecutive year, Congress included tobacco farmers in a massive farm aid bill.
Kentucky tobacco farmers are expected to receive $140 million, the largest portion of the aid. North Carolina growers are to receive $100 million. Tennes see tobacco farmers round out the top three largest recipients, getting $35 million.
The House and Senate approved the crop insurance bill Thursday. It is a $15 billion package of farm assistance to compensate growers for low commodity prices and make it easier for them to buy crop insurance.
The legislation sets aside $340 million in direct assistance to tobacco farmers. Lawmakers say leaf growers and quota holders in 16 tobacco-growing states will receive checks in fiscal 2001.
Last year, Congress approved $328 million in assistance to tobacco growers to help offset lower production caused by declining cigarette sales.
Since last year's aid bill was passed, tobacco farmers were hit with another big drop in the amount of leaf they can sell under the federal price-support program.
The 2000 burley tobacco quota was reduced by 45.3 percent from last year. The quota for flue-cured tobacco dropped by 18.5 percent.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who was among the lawmakers who pushed for the aid to tobacco farmers, said it was the least the government could do.
“It doesn't make up for lost quota,” Mr. McConnell said, but added, “It makes a difference.”
Getting tobacco farmers included in the bill was not as difficult this time around, Mr. McConnell said.
“Having established a precedent last year that tobacco farmers were farmers, it was a little bit easier this year,” he said.
Lawmakers said growers could get their checks in October, which marks the beginning of fiscal 2001.
“It's very important to get them this money as soon as possible,” said Rep. Ernie Fletcher, R-Ky., who represents the Lexington area, otherwise known as the nation's burley belt.
Rep. Ed Bryant, R-Tenn., also represents several tobacco-growing counties. He said tobacco farmers needed this bill.
“Tobacco is under fire from so many different directions,” Mr. Bryant said. “I really don't know what I would do if I were in the business.”
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