Douglas Alexander: “I am proud to cosponsor the Tobacco Market Transition Act of 2003, which is a vital piece of legislation to farmers in…”

“I am proud to cosponsor the Tobacco Market Transition Act of 2003, which is a vital piece of legislation to farmers in Tennessee and other tobacco producing States. As our citizens and government respond to the dangers of cigarettes and tobacco, farmers and farm communities that have depended on this crop are contending with challenges greater than just the decrease in demand. Tobacco growing quotas, the leasing of those quotas, and the Federal price support system have combined with decreasing demand to form the 'perfect storm' to afflict tobacco farmers. I grew up in east Tennessee, and small family tobacco farms were a part of the lifestyle and economic vitality in our region. Tobacco farmers are currently suffering because of government programs and declining demand for their crops. The number of tobacco farmers in Tennessee has decreased from more than 35,000 farms in 1980 to fewer than 15,000 today. Revenue from tobacco in Tennessee has declined by $25 million over the same period. This bill will provide a short term bridge to tobacco growers and quota holders, and the communities in which they live. Tennesseans who own quotas will receive a fair transition away from lease income they have received. Growers will receive transition payments as well. The buyout would last over six years and mean roughly $2 billion to the family farmers, quota lease owners, and communities in Tennessee.”