Hope for Future Syrian Latakia?

[rhoadsie]

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/24/world/norway-seed-vault/index.html
I wonder if they've some seeds squirreled away?

 

[aggravatedfarmer]

Doubt it. They want us to stop smoking tobacco and start smoking marijuana.

 

[uncleblackie]

That's something I could live with

 

[jmill208]

It's always possible that someone had the wherewithal to save some seeds.
Or - The Standard Tobacco Company of Damascus, perhaps? ::

 

[prairiedruid]

Unfortunately it's not just the seed that is needed but the local soil, climate, and the processing technique.

 

[edgreen]

Even if a miracle happened and Assad and militants evaporated and a healthy crop was started, it's been a long time since there was fresh product. A whole generation has gotten used to the taste of Cyprian and would crave that flavor instead, the same way some of us long for our tobacco flavors of yore.

 

[gloucesterman]

With what's going on over there now I suspect Latakia is about the last thing anyone is thinking about. Smoking tobacco is something frowned in the Islamic Fundamentalist world. Being in that business could get you beheaded. So even if you had seeds you would never admit to it. I suspect it will a very long time before we see Syrian Latakia again, if ever.

 

[elbert]

Unfortunately it's not just the seed that is needed but the local soil, climate, and the processing technique.

That's kind of what I was thinking--big difference between growing grapes and making wine. When a tradition dies, how far can we go in reviving it? When the Old Masters are gone, their deep knowledge is gone--maybe forever.

 

[stickframer]

Hope for Future Syrian Latakia?

From me? No. Imo when what's left is gone, it'll be curtains for Syrian Lat.

 

[andrew]

I could see if someone brings stability to the region, which could very well be Russia, then farmers would go back to traditional crops like syrian lat. Perique was almost dead too. I'm sure someone has seeds, there may very well be plants still growing but not for commercial use in Syria.

 

[glpease]

Unfortunately it's not just the seed that is needed but the local soil, climate, and the processing technique.

Precisely so, not to mention the microflora involved in the fermentation. Even if nearly identical terroir could be cultivated, the woods and shrubs necessary for the fumigation would be problematic, not to mention whatever regulations are in place elsewhere that might present difficulties in being able to keep fires burning in barns for weeks at a time during curing season…
My supplier told with certainty that there will be no Syrian Latakia at any point in the foreseeable future. As with anything else, enjoy it while you can, then enjoy something else.

 

[judcole]

It wasn't being grown before the recent disturbance. The civil war has nothing to do with why we get get Syrian latakia.

 

[mikestanley]

To go along with what Mr. Pease said I

can and three words that cigar lovers will

understand "Cuban seed tobacco". Not bad

But certainly not the same

By a long shot .

Mike S.

 

[aggravatedfarmer]

If it ain't for food for people or animals, say goodbye to it. Period. It would take a company to save seeds of the sort.

 

[foggymountain]

Judging from the immigration quota, there may be Syrian Lat produced in the USA one day.

 

[sjpipesmoker]

I wonder how much Syrian Latakia is left? Not in tins or pouches, but in a barn and/or warehouse ready to be blended?
How long will whatever's left, last?
How much Syrian latakia would a 50g tin contain?

 

[stvalentine]

Judging from the immigration quota, there may be Syrian Lat produced in the USA one day.

...and definitely in Germany! :lol:

 

[sablebrush52]

How much Syrian Latakia left? MacBaran estimated about 5 years worth last year. Syrian Latakia can only be made in Syria, not anywhere else. It's the combination of soil, climate, and local materials and resources that combine to make that weed. Enjoy it while you can. Don't plan on cellaring a lifetime supply unless you don't expect to hang around for long as the stuff doesn't have a long shelf life.

 

[gloucesterman]

Soon gone and probably never to be seen again in our lifetime, if ever. Another stunning achievement for Geo-Politics.

 

[sablebrush52]

I don't think that the decision to cease production was political so much as economic. For the amount of resources consumed, Latakia production didn't pay.