Tobacco is a drug that is very bad for our health, and we need corn to make ethanol. I've heard that we don't grow enough corn in the U.S to make enough ethanol, so this would solve all of our problems!
2006-06-13 01:58:51 · 12 answers · asked by mama_of_2 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Kim, you've just been reported!
2006-06-13 02:50:21 · update #1
Tobacco has been a part of some farming families for generations. It is just as difficult for a Farmer to stop growing his crops and start something new, as it would be for a brain surgion to switch to auto mechinics. The tools and skilled required are differant and very costly to change. You are correct, it is not healthy. And it would make a great source of fuel, but the real deal is obscured by many issues. Money-Contracts-Loans, things you and I have never delt with.
2006-06-13 02:08:35 · answer #1 · answered by jinx4swag 3 · 9⤊ 1⤋
What seems logical may not always be. I have read one study that says that, if we grew corn on every inch of land in the USA, it would not be enough to replace the petroleum we are now using. There are other products, which can be grown, and which are more efficient in converting grasses to alcohol. I have seen some reports that claim that converting corn to alcohol uses more energy than it creates.
Tobacco farmers know their crop. They have successful lobbyists, they have a consistent customer base. Most tobacco farmers would have to go back to school to learn about raising corn efficiently. Money would be the only incentive to make them change. The demand for corn is not that great.
If the production of corn were doubled this year, the country would not have the capacity to convert to alcohol. Consider all of the transport, distilleries, storage facilities, blending stations, pumping stations that we would need.
Change on such a massive scale would take years and lots of interest from entrepreneurs.
2006-06-13 09:12:49 · answer #2 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately need is not the factor that decides what is produced - the factor is what sells. What people are willing to buy does not necessarily depend on need. Ideally corn should be grown above tobacco, but the market would suggest otherwise.
2006-06-13 09:04:12 · answer #3 · answered by Scozbo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because these ppl r addicted and tobacco brings in more money than corn does.So if u chew tabacco your hurting yourslef and your hurting the environment because farmers have to grow your crap and can't make ethonal for our cars.
2006-06-13 09:06:28 · answer #4 · answered by mickbros3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is all about money and the big ones who continue to buy the tobacco.
Some are starting with soy beans but they do not pay much compared to a good year of tobacco.
2006-06-13 09:02:12 · answer #5 · answered by antiekmama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's right, more corn. You do realize that 98% of the corn grown in the US is used to feed animals, not humans.
2006-06-13 09:02:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its about money dear. Tobacco brings in more money than corn.
2006-06-13 09:00:35 · answer #7 · answered by Michael F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I must agree - tobacco is a cash crop - there is waaay too much money involved in it to stop growing it.
2006-06-13 09:04:18 · answer #8 · answered by Robert C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are trying to feed their families.
2006-06-13 09:01:04 · answer #9 · answered by scruffy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-06-13 09:00:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋