The government passes a law that allows a substantial subsidy for every acre of land use to grow tobacco. How does this program affect the long- run supply curve of tobacco?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The long-run supply curve of tobacco will shift to the right.
Explanation
When the government introduces a subsidy for tobacco production—especially a substantial one tied to land use—it directly lowers the cost of production for tobacco farmers. In economic terms, a subsidy acts like a negative tax, meaning producers receive additional income for each unit (in this case, each acre) of production. This financial incentive encourages both existing and new producers to enter or expand their operations in the tobacco industry.
In the long run, firms in perfectly competitive markets adjust their production levels based on profit opportunities. With the subsidy in place, the effective profitability of growing tobacco increases. This encourages existing farmers to allocate more land to tobacco cultivation and attracts new producers into the market, assuming they can access land and other inputs. As more producers join the market and existing ones increase output, the overall market supply of tobacco increases.
Over time, this increase in market participants and production capacity causes the long-run supply curve to shift to the right. A rightward shift in the supply curve means that, at every price level, more tobacco is being supplied than before.
However, it’s important to consider that in the long run, economic profits tend to be driven to zero in a competitive market. But the subsidy distorts this equilibrium by keeping profits artificially high, prolonging the incentive to produce more. This policy intervention essentially lowers the average cost for producers, allowing them to profit even at lower market prices.
While this might lead to economic growth for tobacco farmers, it raises concerns regarding public health and resource allocation. More tobacco production could mean greater availability and consumption, which conflicts with health-oriented policies that aim to reduce tobacco use.
In summary, a substantial subsidy increases profitability, draws more producers into the market, and shifts the long-run supply curve of tobacco to the right.
