Kentucky Farmers Fear Crippling Cigarette Price Rise.(Originated from Lexington Herald-Leader, Ky.)

Jun. 23--Burley farmers were left out of yesterday's dramatic settlement between cigarette makers and states that have sued them over health-care expenses.

And Kentucky farmers and lawmakers are worried that the settlement's provisions -- which could result in price increases as high as 75 cents for a pack of cigarettes -- might plow under tobacco farmers.

"This agreement could expose our Kentucky farmers to devastation," said U.S. Rep. Scotty Baesler, D-Lexington, the only tobacco farmer in Congress.

The proposed agreement would require congressional approval -- and Kentucky officials said yesterday that the lack of explicit protection …