CONTACT:            John-Mark Hack, President
Kentucky Tobacco Growers Settlement Trust Corporation
564-4627

Governor Patton Announces Application Process for Payments from the
National Tobacco Growers Settlement Trust

Governor Paul Patton, who serves as Chair of the Kentucky Tobacco Settlement Trust Corporation, announced today that applications for the 2000 distribution from the National Tobacco Grower Settlement Trust will be mailed to farm operators beginning September 18th.  The applications are different in appearance this year, but should be easier for applicants to complete.  One application will be mailed to each farm involved in tobacco production, and everyone involved in tobacco production that shares in the risk of production must be listed on this single application.

The distribution for 2000 is based on USDA production records from the 1999 crop year.  Funds will be divided equally between quota owners, the individual or entity that owns or controls the land used in burley tobacco production, and the individual or entity that provides the labor used in burley production.

“We negotiated this trust fund last year with the cigarette companies to help alleviate the dire economic circumstances our farm families face. Now it’s up to the producers to take advantage of it and complete their application in a timely manner to ensure receipt of their share of the Trust,” Governor Patton stated.

Kentucky producers are scheduled to receive $84 million from the Trust Fund this year, but that number is likely to be reduced by up to 12% due to downward adjustments within the Trust Agreement. Phase II payments will be supplemented this year by an appropriation from the General Assembly of up to $40 million.

A toll-free help line (1-877-549-2537) is established to provide assistance in completing the application forms. The help line is available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM EST.

Applications must be completed and returned no later that October 31, 2000, to be eligible for the December 2000 distribution of payments from the National Trust.