SPECIAL COMMUNICATION Impact of the Tobacco Price Support Program on tobacco control in the United States

Objectives—To evaluate the impact of the United States Tobacco Price Support Program (TPSP) on domestic cigarette consumption and the potential political impact of the TPSP on eVorts to reduce smoking. Data sources—Published studies known to the authors and a search of AGRICOLA from 1980 to 1996. Study selection—Studies published in a refereed journal or research reports published by an accredited university or institution. Data synthesis—The TPSP decreases cigarette use by increasing the price of cigarettes. The price increase resulting from the TPSP, however, is small—about one cent per pack. The resulting decrease in cigarette consumption is also very modest—an estimated 0.23%. However, the TPSP creates tobacco quota owners, who have a strong financial interest in opposing measures to reduce smoking. The TPSP also changes the political influence of tobacco farmers by keeping a large number of small farmers in tobacco production. Conclusions—The negative impact of the TPSP (opposition to tobacco control measures) is probably greater than the positive impact of the programme (reducing smoking). Therefore, the net impact of the TPSP on tobacco control eVorts is likely to be negative. (Tobacco Control 1998;7:176–182)