Phase II Board Reminds Tobacco Farmers of 
October 29 Deadline for 2001 Payment

RICHMOND (October 23, 2001) -- The Virginia Tobacco Trust Certification Board, Inc. (Phase II) reminds all tobacco producers and quota owners who received a 2001 verification for payment form or application of the October 29 postmark deadline. There will be no deadline extension or second round of payments this year.

Virginia tobacco producers and quota owners can expect their payments to arrive in late December 2001 or early January 2002. Payments will be considered 2002 income, regardless of the date that appears on the checks. Applicants with questions or concerns may call the settlement hotline at 1-800-736-7197 during normal business hours.

Phase II is the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust that was negotiated between the tobacco growing states and cigarette manufacturers. Approximately $40 million was distributed to Virginia tobacco producers and quota owners in 1999 and 2000. This year, it is anticipated that $23 million will be available.