Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati
Agriculture News Editor
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has reduced official tobacco classification grades from 1 320 to 669, a move which will see the industry aligning with international buyer standards and boost competitiveness amid global oversupply.
The review was triggered by industry concerns that the 1 320 grades were excessive and changing climatic conditions and farming practices.
TIMB confirmed the move, which farmer organisations have welcomed as a way to improve efficiency and ensure pricing transparency. The board’s report on the classification of grades indicates that changes will not be effected in a single marketing season, to allow a smooth transition and avoid trade disruptions.
“Implementation of these changes will be progressive and carefully monitored, safeguarding both growers’ and buyers’ interests while promoting fair pricing and transparency within Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry. Continuous monitoring and review every two years will be conducted to assess applicability and market response,” said the board.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association president Mr George Seremwe said they were happy with the process as all farmers’ organisations participated in the process. “We were consulted and agreed with the review of the grades. Many farmers were shortchanged due to buyers offering lower grades and hiding behind those classifications. It’s a positive move, and we’re looking forward to the implementation of the amendments. There is a need for adequate communication with farmers so they are aware of the new industry developments,” he said.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Association chairman, Mr Rodney Ambrose, said the review of the tobacco classification grades by half was welcome. “It is very welcome. It increases efficiencies throughout the value chain and pricing transparency. We will engage farmers through education programmes through our field officers in the tobacco-producing areas,” he said.
An industry stakeholders committee was established to identify redundant or rarely used grades, align the classification system with current production trends, climate change and market requirements. The committee was also tasked to ensure efficiency, simplicity and continued international competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s tobacco grading system.
“Classification data is used globally to compare prices in different countries; track production trends; and inform policies for researchers, buyers, growers, Government, economists and the TIMB. “The Board classifiers assess the cured tobacco leaves based on characteristics such as cutting quality, flavour and aroma, smoking characteristics, filling value, and moisture content.
“They assign grade marks to cured leaves based on plant position, colour, quality, style, and other factors, ensuring comparability across global markets,” said TIMB.
The changes include the removal of style and extra factors – ‘D’, ‘K’, ‘G’, ‘Q’, and ‘Y’ from 1st and 2nd qualities, limiting of Running Green (V) – from 2nd to 5th quality and limiting of Smoking Leaf (H) grades in 3rd to 5th qualities only, limited to Orange (O) colours (eg, H3O).
Stakeholders also agreed to remove Dark Mahogany (S) colour from the classification system.
Peter Tanyanyiwa