The letter goes on to state that Connecticut tobacco farming supports over 800 jobs and 5,000 seasonal workers. The industry supports $47.4 million in direct sales and has an economic impact of $85 million, the letter also reveals. Even with Connecticut tobacco being in demand by the premium cigar industry, the letter states that Connecticut farmers are struggling and that one of the state’s largest tobacco farms didn’t plant a crop this past growing year and is selling off its land as a result of foreign competition.
The letter cites Section 903 of the Tobacco Control Act that states tobacco products can be deemed misbranded if its advertising is false or misleading. It also mentions 15 U.S. Code § 45, which grants the FTC the authority to prevent unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.” Connecticut shade tobacco is very popular and grown in other countries so the implications of any action taken could prove to be interesting for the premium cigar industry.
You can read the letter sent to the FDA and FTC by the three members of Congress by clicking here.
