TOBACCO CROP

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30763, 29 May 1965, Page 22

TOBACCO CROP

Heavy Frost Losses

It was still too early to assess the 1964-65 tobacco crop because buying had not been completed and until it was it was impossible to completely assess losses from hail and frost, said Mr H L. Wise, chairman of the Tobacco Board, yesterday when reporting on a recent board meeting. Acreage last year was slightly up on the previous season, being 5840 against 5816, he said, but losses, especially from frost, were more severe. As was the case last year, not ail the leaf would be eligible for claims under the board’s crop insurance scheme.

It had been reported to the meeting that the Price Tribunal had fixed an average minimum price of 4s 7jd per lb for flue-cured leaf, which represented about 96 per cent of the total crop, and 4s 2)d for air-dried leaf| These were an increase of 2)d and 2d per lb respectively on the average minimum prices for the 1963-64 season. Mr Wise said that last season the board subsidised growers to the extent of 40 per cent of the cost of treatment for verticullium wilt, a disease or fungus which could become a major problem unless it was checked. The cost to the board was about £4500. The board had agreed that it was favourably disposed to payment of a subsidy again for the 1965-66 season and referred it to a sub-commit-tee.

Mr Wise said that the Motueka labour office operated by the board since the 1962-63 season with the cooperation of the Department of Labour had functioned successfully last year and it was intended to operate it again next season.