Number: RS20802
Title: Tobacco Farmer Assistance
Authors: Jasper Womach, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Because of drop in demand, farmers have asked for and received compensation and assistance from cigarette manufacturers and the federal government. Manufacturers pledged $5.15 billion in payments to farmers over 12 years. Also, Congress has approved $328 million in tobacco loss payments to farmers for FY2000, $340 million for FY2001, another $129 million for FY2001, and $53 million for FY2003. In addition, losses on 1999-crop price support loan stocks, amounting to $625 million, where shifted to taxpayers.
Pages: 6
Date: June 10, 2004