SRTP addresses the social and environmental issues associated with leaf growing and processing, and reaches around 300,000 farmers who supply all the leaf we buy. The programme covers many topics including good agricultural practices; appropriate use of agrochemicals; environmental, occupational health and safety standards; farmers’ standard of living; child labour; and afforestation initiatives.
In 2008, we undertook a review of SRTP, which identified a number of areas for improvement. Based on the results, peuple have developed a revised SRTP programme, in conjunction with an independent consultancy LeafTc. The changes include the addition of a section that addresses impacts that could contribute to climate change such as greenhouse gas emissions as well as streamlining the system to make it easier to use for all involved.
Each year there is a selection of on-site visits to leaf suppliers. These reviews are carried out for us by LeafTc. In 2008, there were 17 SRTP
reviews in nine countries. By 31 December 2008, 92 per cent of the 96 operations of our More information on BEST tobacco leaf suppliers had been reviewed at and SRTP is available at least once. In 2009, 23 reviews are planned www.bat.com/tobacco in 15 countries. Stakeholders have told us that they would like to see more transparency around the criteria for assessing and scoring the performance of our suppliers within our SRTP programme. So, for the first time, we have published our leaf suppliers’ average scores in our reviews.
These are outlined in the charts below. Scores have continually improved over a number of years. In the past, we have shared our SRTP programme with others within the industry and it has been taken up by a number of other manufacturers. To further increase transparency and to promote best practice outside our own sector, we have asked LeafTc to make the details and review criteria of our SRTP programme, including the roadmaps and scoring criteria.
In 2008, in line with our commitment in last year’s Report, we began work to create a global centre of excellence in agronomy as we aim to become farmers’ preferred choice of leaf purchaser. This centre will be an extension of our existing Leaf Research and Technology Centre and plant breeding facility in Brazil, currently serving our Latin American and Caribbean markets, and will be extended to provide global support. It provides farmers with access to new varieties of tobacco seed and new technology, such as ways of reducing dependency on wood fuel, and shares good agricultural practices. Having access to the latest technology gives local farmers a competitive edge. During 2009, we will focus on building the centre’s global support capacity and we expect it to be fully functioning by 2010.
