In the late 1990s, there has been unprecedented attention to issues that affect tobacco farmers and tobacco-dependent communities. During this time, relationships between public health professionals and organizations and tobacco producers have been established. At the same time, some growers have questioned tobacco company loyalty to the American tobacco farmer. Despite these burgeoning relationships, most public health professionals know little about tobacco production and the host of factors that play a role in shaping the tobacco culture. This overview article attempts to fill this gap in knowledge so that health professionals are in an informed position when they speak about intersections between public health and tobacco farming. An increased understanding of these background issues will enable the public health community to achieve the dual goals of reducing disease caused by tobacco products and ensuring the prosperity of rural farming communities historically dependent upon tobacco.
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