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Many tobacco growers and heirs eligible for settlement funds

Many tobacco growers are eligible for settlement funds available as a result of lawsuits directed toward the U.S. Tobacco Cooperative, formerly known as the Flue-Cured (FC) Tobacco Cooperative Stabilization Corporation.

Included in the settlement are farmers and heirs of farmers who grew flue-cured tobacco anytime from 1967 to 1973, based on the sale of tobacco to the cooperative, and from 1982 to 2004 based on their contribution of no net cost assessments on all tobacco sold. All tobacco producers who sold tobacco were members of the cooperative and received an FC number/membership card. Proof of claim forms consisting of three pages must be filed by Dec. 12. 

Documentation of membership in the cooperative can be established without knowing or including the FC membership number. This information is included in the files which have been provided to the attorneys and the firm charged with settling these claims. The original owner’s name and addresses where they resided when obtaining membership and throughout their career as tobacco farmers should be provided.  Heirs can establish inheritance of FC numbers and proof of claim using family wills, letters of administration or letters of testamentary usually accessible from a probate court office.

Proof of claim forms, a list of frequently asked questions and additional information can be found here. 

 

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