NJTODAY.NET's online business directory  Dear EarthTalk: Is it
true that organic tobacco production is booming in the U.S.? And
are cigarettes made from organic tobacco any healthier for
smokers? — Nanci R., Petaluma, CA  To say business is booming
would be an exaggeration, but it is true that many American
tobacco farmers are beginning to transition to organic growing
methods. Given the hard times growers have faced in recent
decades—most Americans now revile smoking and farmers in other
countries can produce higher volumes for substantially less
cost—going organic is one way to keep charging premium prices.
While growing organically costs more and yields a slightly less
marketable product, farmers can make up the difference and then
some since their organic tobacco will command double the price
of their competitors’ conventionally grown, chemical-laden
variety.   Companies like Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company and
Organic Smoke, Inc., for example, are willing to pay this
premium for the privilege of marketi