The cultivation of tobacco in Canada is a unique and intriguing journey. From the selection of the right seeds to the careful nurturing of the plants and the eventual harvest, every step is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Canadian farmer. Despite the challenges posed by the Canadian climate, tobacco farming has thrived, carving out its own niche in the country’s agricultural landscape. Join us as we delve into this fascinating world, exploring the art, the science, and the sheer passion that goes into growing tobacco in Canada.
Indigenous Tobacco Cultivation
Tobacco, in the form of Nicotiana rustica, was grown in Canada by its indigenous inhabitants long before the arrival of European settlers . This tobacco was used for ceremonial and medicinal purposes, highlighting the cultural significance of the plant.
Modern Tobacco Farming
In the 1970s, there were over 3,000 tobacco farms in Canada, a number that has declined to about 650 today . Almost all of Canada s tobacco is grown in a few counties on the north shore of Lake Erie . Despite the decline, tobacco farming remains an important part of the agricultural landscape in these regions.
Canadian Virginia Tobacco
Canadian Virginia Tobacco is a high-yielding variety with large leaves that cure to a light color . It is an excellent choice for cigarette blends and is grown without the use of pesticides .
Ontario Bold Tobacco
Ontario Bold Tobacco is a variety developed by crossing Canadian and American varieties to improve quality and disease resistance, and to lower nicotine . It is slightly heavier, with thicker leaves that cure nicely with a high percentage of mahogany and orange leaves .
Petite Canadian Tobacco
Petite Canadian Tobacco, also known as Little Red Tobacco, is a strain that has been cultivated for over a hundred years . The plants are 2 to 3 feet tall with abundant pink flowers .
Preparing the Land
Land on which tobacco is to be grown should be ploughed early the preceding fall, in order to provide aeration and allow for the breakdown of organic matter .
Planting the Seeds
Tobacco seeds are very tiny and require light to germinate . They should be sprinkled on top of the soil and not covered . The seeds should germinate in about 7 – 14 days .
Caring for the Crop
Tobacco plants require careful attention and regular care. They need to be protected from pests and diseases, and require regular watering and fertilization for optimal growth .
Climate Challenges
Canada’s shorter growing season and higher cost of agricultural inputs pose challenges for tobacco farmers . Additionally, the climate in the Ontario tobacco belt, where most of Canada’s tobacco is grown, can be inhospitable, with temperatures often exceeding 30 .C or 86 .F .
Regulatory Challenges
Tobacco cultivation in Canada is also subject to stringent regulations. The Raw Leaf Tobacco Program helps to manage and monitor the movement of tobacco products and impede illegal activities . Additionally, Health Canada requires all cigarettes manufactured or imported for sale in Canada to comply with certain regulations .
The Future of Tobacco Cultivation in Canada
Despite the challenges, tobacco farming in Canada continues to adapt and evolve. New varieties are being developed, and farmers are finding innovative ways to overcome the challenges posed by the climate and regulations.
what are the different types of tobacco that can be grown in canada
Canada produces several types of tobacco, with the majority of its production occurring in southwestern Ontario. The major types of tobacco grown in Canada include:
- Flue-cured tobacco: This is the major type of tobacco grown in Canada, accounting for 95-98% of the country’s tobacco production. It was introduced to Ontario around 1900 and is now primarily produced in this region .
- Burley tobacco: This type of tobacco was the main type cultivated in Quebec and Ontario in the late 19th century. It is air-cured in barns for up to two months, losing most of its natural sugars and developing a strong, almost cigar-like taste .
- Cigar tobacco: This is one of the five major types of tobacco produced in Canada. It is air-cured like burley tobacco .
- Dark tobacco: This type of tobacco is also grown in Ontario. It is often referred to as “black” tobacco .
- Pipe tobacco: This is another major type of tobacco produced in Canada. It is also air-cured .
- Virginia flue-cured tobacco: This type of tobacco is also grown in Ontario. It is also known as ‘bright tobacco’ because of the golden-yellow to deep-orange color it takes on during the curing process .
- Little Canadian Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum): Also known as “little red tobacco”, this annual variety is rustic, early, and small in size. It matures in six weeks and produces a full-bodied tobacco .
what are the ideal weather conditions for growing tobacco in canada
The ideal weather conditions for growing tobacco in Canada are warm temperatures with a frost-free period of 3 to 4 months between transplant and harvest. Tobacco plants thrive in temperatures ranging from 68. to 86. F (20. to 30. C) . Soil temperatures around 72.F are considered ideal for planting . The growth of tobacco plants is restricted at temperatures lower than 10 to 13 .C, and plants will die when the temperature drops to 2 to 3 .C . Therefore, it is crucial to start seeds indoors about 12-15 weeks before the last expected spring frost and plan the harvest before the first fall frost to avoid damage to the plants . Additionally, tobacco should be ripened without heavy rainfall as excess water can cause the plants to become thin and flaky .
what are the regulations for growing and selling tobacco in canada
In Canada, the growing and selling of tobacco are regulated by both federal and provincial laws.
At the federal level, the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act regulates the manufacture, sale, labelling, and promotion of tobacco products . The Excise Act imposes duties on tobacco and cigars manufactured in Canada and on Canadian raw leaf tobacco . The Tobacco (Access) Regulations prohibit the sale of tobacco products to persons under 18 years of age .
At the provincial level, in Ontario for example, the Raw Leaf Tobacco Program regulates the production, processing, transportation, exporting, importing, buying, and selling of raw leaf tobacco. This program includes a registration and reporting system, inspection and audit oversight activities, seizure authority, and civil penalties and offence provisions . Tobacco retail dealers in Ontario must sell legal tobacco products only, have a valid tobacco retail dealer’s permit, and only buy tobacco products from Ontario-registered tobacco wholesalers .
In terms of selling tobacco, retailers must not sell tobacco products to a person less than 19 years old, require ID from anyone that appears to be less than 25 years old, post applicable health warning and age restriction signs, and sell legal packages of cigarettes and fine cut tobacco that are marked with the Ontario tobacco tax mark . The Tobacco and Vaping Products Act prohibits the import, packaging, distribution, and sale of cigarettes except in a package that contains at least 20 cigarettes .
For growing tobacco, individuals are required to register under the Tobacco Tax Act if they produce raw leaf tobacco in Ontario. There is no registration fee, and the Ministry of Finance must receive a completed application by February 28 each year . However, there are exemptions for personal use, allowing an individual to produce and process for their own personal use, and not for sale, up to 15 kilograms of raw leaf tobacco per calendar year .
Conclusion
Tobacco cultivation in Canada is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the country’s farmers. Despite the challenges, it remains an important part of Canada’s agricultural landscape, contributing to the country’s economy and cultural heritage.
Statistics:
Canada is among the top 12 tobacco-producing countries, with the majority of its tobacco production occurring in southwestern Ontario . In the 2013 growing season, approximately 23,000 acres were used to grow flue-cured tobacco, resulting in about 55 million pounds of production .
FAQs:
- Who is responsible for tobacco oversight in Ontario?
- The Ministry of Ontario engages with key stakeholders such as tobacco growers and industry specialists to promote effective oversight .
- What types of tobacco are grown in Canada?
- Canada grows several types of tobacco, including flue-cured, burley, cigar, dark, and pipe tobacco .
- Where is most Canadian tobacco grown?
- Most Canadian tobacco is grown in southwestern Ontario .
- Why is Ontario the primary region for tobacco farming in Canada?
- Ontario offers suitable climatic and soil conditions for tobacco cultivation .
- How is tobacco cultivated in Canada?
- Tobacco is cultivated by sowing seeds in greenhouses and transplanting seedlings to fields, followed by careful tending until harvest .
- Is there a significant history of tobacco cultivation in Canada?
- Yes, tobacco cultivation in Canada dates back to the early 1800s and was an important trade item among indigenous peoples .
- Can tobacco be grown for educational or research purposes in Ontario?
- Yes, growing tobacco for educational, research, or pharmaceutical purposes is allowed in Ontario .
- Does the Canadian government regulate tobacco farming?
- Yes, the Canadian government, through Health Canada and other regulatory bodies, imposes regulations on tobacco farming .
- Will the tobacco industry in Canada continue to evolve?
- Despite challenges, the industry is expected to adapt with new varieties and innovative farming methods .
- Who smokes tobacco in Canada?
- Tobacco is smoked by a variety of demographics, but smoking rates have declined over the years .
- What challenges do tobacco farmers in Canada face?
- Tobacco farmers face challenges such as climate, cost of inputs, and regulatory issues .
- Where can I find detailed information on growing tobacco in Canada?
- Detailed information can be found in publications and historical bulletins on the subject .
- Why has the number of tobacco farms in Canada decreased?
- The decrease is due to factors like increased awareness of health risks and regulatory pressures .
- How does the Canadian climate affect tobacco farming?
- The shorter growing season and potential for extreme temperatures pose challenges .
- Is Canadian tobacco used domestically or exported?
- Canadian tobacco is used both domestically and exported to various countries .
Books:
For those interested in the subject of growing tobacco in Canada, “Tobacco Growing in Canada (Classic Reprint)” by Forgotten Books is a recommended read . Another historical perspective can be found in “Bradley’s Manual on Growing and Curing Tobacco: 1864” by William L. Bradley .
Sources of information:
Information on tobacco farming in Canada can be sourced from the Canadian Encyclopedia, which provides historical and contemporary insights https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/tobacco
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/tobacco-products-industry. Health Canada’s website also offers regulatory information https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/regulating-tobacco-vaping.html.
Citations:
Authoritative sources on the subject of growing tobacco in Canada include government publications and historical texts such as those found on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Tobacco-Growing-Canada-Classic-Reprint/dp/0282888217
https://www.amazon.com/Tobacco-Growing-Canada-Classic-Reprint/dp/0266590268, the Canadian Encyclopedia https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/tobacco
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/tobacco-products-industry, and Health Canada’s regulatory framework https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/regulating-tobacco-vaping.html.