September 19, 1997 
     
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM:    R&D-97-070
   
TO:      All Reinsured Companies
         All Risk Management Agency Field Offices 
         FSA Headquarters, Program Delivery and Field Operations
     
FROM:    Tim B. Witt           /s/ TIM B. WITT   09/19/97
         Deputy Administrator
              
SUBJECT: 1997 Season Average Market Prices for Tobacco
    
     
The season average market prices referenced in the tobacco endorsements
for types 32, 41, 51, 52, and 61 are listed below.  The market prices
for tobacco types shown below have been released as part of the
Actuarial Data Master.
     
             Type                      Average Price
                                         $/pound
              -----------------------------------------             
               32
                 Maryland                 $ 1.92
                 Pennsylvania             $ 1.75
      
               41                         $ 1.55
   
               51-52                      $ 6.28
   
               61                         $27.25