High Point Enterprise in High Point, North Carolina

Tobacco Dirt Raises Costs, Dirt In Tobacco Costs Millions

Greenville North Carolina AP reports Carolina Leaf Tobacco Co faces about 850000 dollars in losses from dirt and foreign matter found in purchased tobacco. From opening through August, about 952732 pounds of dirt were removed, with instances of concrete blocks, chopping blocks, anvils, and stalks found in sheets. Sand content exceeds acceptable levels this year, raising machine maintenance costs and prompting grower outreach to fix the issue.