Tobacco crops leave farmers mired in poverty and debt
ALEX Flett is right to raise concerns over the impact of growing tobacco in developing countries (Letters, January 30).
ALEX Flett is right to raise concerns over the impact of growing tobacco in developing countries (Letters, January 30).
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As Scotland's charity taking action on tobacco and health, we are all too aware of the disastrous effects tobacco farming has on land, life and health in these countries.
The tobacco industry argues that it brings economic benefits to tobacco-growing countries. In fact the majority of profits go to the companies, while, as the World Health Organisation points out, tobacco farmers often become trapped in a cycle of poverty and debt. Farmers are forced by tobacco companies to enter into contracts to buy seeds, fertilizer and technical advice and sell their product at a set fee lower than the cost of production.
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Tobacco crops leave farmers mired in poverty and debt
ALEX Flett is right to raise concerns over the impact of growing tobacco in developing countries (Letters, January 30).
As Scotland's charity taking action on tobacco and health, we are all too aware of the disastrous effects tobacco farming has on land, life and health in these countries.
The tobacco industry argues that it brings economic benefits to tobacco-growing countries. In fact the majority of profits go to the companies, while, as the World Health Organisation points out, tobacco farmers often become trapped in a cycle of poverty and debt. Farmers are forced by tobacco companies to enter into contracts to buy seeds, fertilizer and technical advice and sell their product at a set fee lower than the cost of production.
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We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.
Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.
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