Leaf plantings and prices set for 2013

Japan’s 2013 leaf tobacco crop will be grown on 9,245 ha, down by 134 ha or 1.4 per cent on that of this year.

The flue-cured production area will be 5,926 ha, down by 51 ha or 0.8 per cent; the Burley production area will be 3,291 ha, down by 82 ha or 2.4 per cent; and the domestic variety production area will be unchanged at 28 ha.

The Leaf Tobacco Deliberative Council announced yesterday its annual determinations for local tobacco cultivation areas and grower prices for 2013 in response to a proposal submitted by Japan Tobacco Inc. earlier in the day.

The council comprises no more than 11 members appointed by JT with the approval of the Minister of Finance from among representatives of leaf tobacco growers and academics.

JT said the council was in general agreement with its proposal.

The leaf tobacco grower price will be set at an average for all leaf types of ¥1,906.47 per kg, an increase of 0.84 per cent on that of the previous year.