More than 375,000 Votes Help Preserve Barns and Support the Future of American FarmingCAMDEN, N.J., Jan 06, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — 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(TM) 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 that grow good food, like the wholesome ingredients that go into each can of Campbell’s(R) condensed soup, and its commitment to the future of the American agriculture industry.
Through this campaign, Campbell has donated a total of $500,000 to FFA to promote educational programs that help students explore the many opportunities that modern agriculture offers and become future leaders in the industry. A robust online effort engaged more than 17,000 fans on Facebook who shared stories from the nominated farms including videos and images of the barns, fostering support from local communities and prompting more than 375,000 votes for the ten nominated barns.
“These ten 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 H.S. Farm in Climax, N.C.; The Bowers School Farm in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; The Just Wait and See Farm in Union Bridge, Md.; 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 to be 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 agriculture 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
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.
About Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality foods and simple meals, including soup, baked snacks and healthy beverages. Founded in 1869, the company has a portfolio of market–leading brands including “Campbell’s,” “Pepperidge Farm,” “Arnott’s” and “V8.” For more information on the company, visit Campbell’s website at www.campbellsoup.com.
SOURCE: Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup CompanyJohn Faulkner(856) 342-3738[email protected]orWeber ShandwickPatricia Vicenzi(312) 988-2019[email protected]