Flue-cured tobacco output in Virginia, spared the heavy rains that may reduce yields in other grower states, is expected to increase 15 per cent to 55.2 million pounds, the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said.

Planted acreage this year is up by 3,000 tons to 23,000 tons with the average yield forecast at 2,400 lbs per acre, the Virginia agency said. Heavy rains in North Carolina, burley growing Kentucky and Tennessee may lower yields, in some cases substantially, according to a report by the Associated Press.