USDA ANNOUNCES FINAL RESULTS OF CIGAR FILLER/BINDER TOBACCO REFERENDUM Media Contact: Dann Stuart (202) 690-0474

NEWS Farm Service Agency Public Affairs Staff 1400 Independence Ave SW Stop 0506, Room 3624-South Washington, D.C. 20250-0506 Release No. 1506.02 Dann Stuart (202) 690-0474 dan.stuart@wdc.usda.gov USDA ANNOUNCES FINAL RESULTS OF CIGAR FILLER/BINDER TOBACCO REFERENDUM WASHINGTON, April 18, 2002 The Department of Agriculture today announced the final results of the tobacco referendum conducted for the growers of cigar-filler and binder tobacco, types 42-44 and 53-55. The purpose of the referendum is to determine whether marketing quotas will be in effect for the 2002, 2003 and 2004 marketing years. The results show that 80 percent of producers voting wish to continue marketing quotas. Because over two-thirds voted in favor of quotas, they will remain in effect for those 3 marketing years. Referendum results are as follows: STATE YES NO TOTAL PERCENT YES Minnesota 6 2 8 75 Ohio 67 22 89 75 Wisconsin 563 134 697 81 TOTAL 636 158 794 80 Cigar filler and binder tobacco is grown primarily in Wisconsin. Further program information is available from Misty Jones, (202) 7200-0200, e-mail address Misty_Jones@wdc.usda.gov. # NOTE: Farm Service Agency (FSA) news releases and media advisories are available on the Web at FSA's Home Page: http://www.fsa.usda.gov.