FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETobacco Council Releases Findings for 2006 Tobacco CultivationTokyo, November 10, 2005 --- The Leaf Tobacco Deliberative Council, chaired by Masayuki Takahashi, released this afternoon its agreed annual findings for domestic leaf tobacco cultivation area and grower prices for 2006. Japan Tobacco (JT) (TSE: 2914) had submitted its proposal to the Council earlier in the day. The Council was in general agreement with JT’s proposal, and determined that in 2006, the domestic tobacco cultivation area will be set at 18,737 hectares, while the leaf tobacco grower price will be set at an average of JPY 1,845.59 per kilogram for all leaf types. JT will proceed with operations in 2006 based on the Council’s determinations. About The Leaf Tobacco Deliberative Council The Leaf Tobacco Deliberative Council is an eleven-member advisory body comprised of domestic tobacco grower representatives and independent experts, with the approval of the Minister of Finance, that provide counsel to JT’s president. The Council was established under the Tobacco Business Law to discuss plans for cultivation of leaf tobacco in Japan, including grower price and the area set aside for different leaf types. The Council's determinations are incorporated into JT's annual domestic tobacco contract. ### Japan Tobacco Inc. is the world’s third largest international manufacturer of tobacco products. The company manufactures internationally recognized cigarette brands including Camel, Winston, Mild Seven and Salem. Since its privatization in 1985, JT has actively diversified its operations into pharmaceuticals and foods. The company’s net sales were JPY 4.664 trillion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. |
