Matt Coy Arich Fuher Morgan Gierke POLS 333

Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1938 “Tobacco growers were issued marketing quotas for the tobacco they were currently growing. These production quotas controlled supply, limiting the amount of tobacco grown” (USDA) Effect on US Tobacco Farms -“Both quantity supplied and prices received by tobacco farmers were controlled by the U.S. government” (Sheremenko). -production and location restrictions, applied through quota prohibited farmers from increasing their operations or planting in alternative locations. Matt Coy

2004 Tobacco Transition Act and Quota Buyout -In order for American tobacco to remain competitive in the world market, the act eliminated the quota and geographical limitations imposed by the original system. -“Transition of the U.S. tobacco industry towards free market conditions involving significantly higher levels of risk associated with U.S. tobacco production” (USDA (FSA)). Effect on US Tobacco Farms -Subjected domestic tobacco production to world trade competition (UDC tobacco production becoming more competitive). Matt Coy

Corporations Receive Most Profit High Input, Low Output Few Countries Benefit Locks People In Debt Child Labor GOLDENLEAFGOLDENLEAF

Deleterious Health Problems Caused During The Farming Process Flame Curing and Respiratory Harm Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) Cancers

Capability to ship to 1 st world countries will grow tobacco If every farmer could, would grow tobacco, but not sold locally Domestic demand for tobacco has plateaued Demand has increased overseas, so has supply, farmers grow less Tobacco Companies Avoid Health Threats: Public Relations Buying Scientific Evidence Funding Political Parties

Deforestation- fire and fire curing destroying indigenous forests 12% global deforestation from tobacco farming Countries starving (Kenya, Malawi) because crop land is being used for tobacco Technology- 3 rd world countries are becoming more competitive in global market Pesticides- some of the most dangerous pesticides in the industry