FIVE HISTORIC BARNS SELECTED IN CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY’S

HELP  GROW YOUR SOUP PROGRAM

More than 375,000 Votes Help Preserve Barns and

Support the Future of American Farming

 CAMDEN, N.J., Jan. 6, 2010 – Barns are a cornerstone of the American farm and a symbol of the country’s essential agriculture industry.  This spring, celebrating the company’s Help Grow Your Soup™ program, Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB), the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America) and the National FFA Alumni Association will preserve and renovate five notable barns, selected by the public through an online vote.  The program spotlights Campbell’s dedication to the farmers who grow good food, like the wholesome ingredients that go into each can of Campbell’s® condensed soup, and its commitment to the future of American agriculture. 

Through this campaign, Campbell has donated a total of $500,000 to FFA to promote educational programs that help students explore the many opportunities modern agriculture offers.  A robust online effort engaged more than 17,000 Facebook fans who heard stories from the nominated barn owners and viewed videos and images of the barns. This fostered support from local communities and prompted more than 375,000 votes for the ten nominated barns.

“These 10 historic barns are a reminder of the importance of the agriculture industry to our economy and generations of Americans,” said Eric Christianson, Business Director, Campbell’s condensed soup. “Campbell is thrilled by the groundswell of interest in the Help Grow Your Soup program. We’re committed to helping future generations of farmers preserve their family’s farming legacy while they continue to provide the quality ingredients that have been used to make Campbell’s condensed soups since 1897.”

The Votes Have Been Tallied                                      

From the rolling hills of North Carolina to the cornfields of Indiana, the five barns that will be preserved this year by Campbell, FFA members and FFA Alumni are: Providence Grove High School Farm in Climax, N.C.; The Bowers School Farm in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; The Just Wait and See Farm in Union Bridge, M.D.; The Dull Family Farm in Thorntown, Ind.; and The Augie Fudala Farm in Bark River, Mich.  Videos and images of these barns are available at www.HelpGrowYourSoup.com.

Other nominated barns featured in this year’s program were Rolling Hills Century Farm in Staunton, Va.; The Farm on St. Mathias in Brainerd, Minn.; Euken Farm LLC in Lewis, Iowa; The Neil B. McPhail Farm in Seneca, S.C.; and The Gregory Farm in White Hall, Ill.

Campbell and FFA Support American Agriculture: One Barn at a Time

 Campbell launched the Help Grow Your Soup campaign in 2008 by establishing a partnership with FFA to help raise awareness for the importance of farming and support agricultural education. Campbell and FFA have previously restored five barns across the country and planted community gardens in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and Camden, N.J.

To learn more about the Help Grow Your Soup program, Campbell’s partnership with FFA and the rich history of the winning barns, visit HelpGrowYourSoup.com.

About The National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization was founded in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America in support of agricultural education in schools around the country. FFA prepares its members for more than 300 careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture and has many educational programs in place to foster leaders who will make sure our natural resources are wisely used. Today’s FFA has more than half a million members, 7,400 chapters in schools and 1,250 active alumni affiliates across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Comments from the Fudala Family

"I have to credit my sister, Barb (Fudala Atencio), in New Mexico for having the vision to pursue the Campbell's contest. As an FFA mom for many years, she was well acquainted with the great program that motivates young people in the great work of farming. When she was just a little girl, she wanted a farm set for Christmas and got it. I believe she still has it. We spent many a summer night sleeping in the haymow and having a grand time playing 'circus'  swinging out from the beam and dropping to the mounded loose hay.  The smell of fresh mown hay still conjures images from those times. My nephew, Matthew, Barb's son put together the slide show for the contest website and the local FFA troupe in Las Vegas, New Mexico also participated. The troupes in Stephenson and Wisconsin will help with the actual renovations. And we're grateful for all their help and Campbell's Soup for sponsoring something that shows the importance and pride of the farming community."  Linda Fudala Tucker
          

 www.campbellsoup.com.