FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2004

Mitsui Recognized for Providing 25 Years-long Support
of FFA and Agricultural Education

The National FFA Foundation recently recognized Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), New York, and Mitsui & Co., Tokyo, for 25 years of sustained support of FFA (Future Farmers of America) and agricultural education. The National FFA Foundation annually recognizes those individuals and organizations that are committed to furthering agricultural education through their long-time support and contributions.

"The agricultural industry continues to need qualified professionals," says Kent Schescke, Division Director for the National FFA Foundation, "Because of the support of companies like Mitsui, FFA is better positioned to be the premier source of young people ready to ensure the future of agriculture through successful careers." Since 1944, FFA foundation has provided more than $132 million to support FFA and agricultural education programs, initiatives, awards, scholarships and achievement programs for members.

"Mitsui USA's partnering with FFA helps deepen the awareness that agricultural mutual dependency continues to be vital for exporter, the U.S., and importer, Japan. It is an opportunity for discussions with the agricultural leaders of tomorrow, the FFA officers, about how we can stabilize the global supply chain of food, healthy and safe, straight from production through consumption," remarks Yasuyuki Abe, SVP, Foods & Retail Division, Mitsui USA.

FFA is a national youth organization of 476,732 student members preparing for leadership and careers in science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,223 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

This Mitsui-FFA program is a partnership cost shared by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc., with Mitsui USA's portion cost shared between the Mitsui New York Grain Department and The Mitsui USA Foundation. To date, 155 Mitsui/National FFA Officers have participated.

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