Although three is no gold to be found in the Mid-Atlantic, the tobacco plant represents one of the most profitable resources in the New World. One hectare is estimated to produce enough tobacco to produce 400 florins worth of tobacco per annum. With 1,000 hectare suitable for growing under English control, this crop has the potential to add 400,000 florins to the English revenue per annum.
The spy in the Spanish court reports that they are increasing naval spending by over 800,000 florins and greatly outpacing even the maximum potential that could be produced by the young colony. In order to remain competitive, England must double its colonial holdings.
