Phase II Board Announces Work Sessions

RICHMOND (October 12, 2000) -- The Virginia Tobacco Trust Certification Board, Inc. (Phase II) announced today a series of work sessions for tobacco growers and quota holders who have questions about how to complete their 2000 Phase II forms. McGuireWoods LLP, the board's legal counsel, will be on hand to work one-on-one with applicants. Meetings will be held throughout the week of October 16 in Farm Service Center offices in Brunswick, Pittsylvania, Halifax, Lee, Scott and Washington counties.

Phase II is the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust that was negotiated between the tobacco growing states and cigarette manufacturers. Approximately $23.6 million was distributed to Virginia tobacco producers and quota owners in 1999. This year, $18.6 million is available with the expectation that the amount will rise in 2001.

All quota owners and producers who received either a 1999 Phase II payment or a 2000 Phase I payment, will only need to complete a verification for payment form this year. The form will be mailed directly to the payee. Those farm operators who did not apply for either Phase II or Phase I payments will receive an application and will be responsible for verifying data and obtaining the signatures of quota owners and producers associated with the farm.

Completed forms must be postmarked by November 6 and payment to farmers is projected for late December or early January 2001. There will be no deadline extension or second round for application this year. If an applicant needs assistance but is unable to attend a work session they may call the settlement trustee's hotline at 1-800-736-7197 during normal business hours.

The schedule is as follows: