USTC joins responsibility program

U.S. Tobacco Cooperative (USTC), an industry leader in growing, processing and manufacturing flue-cured tobacco, is now a participant in the Social Responsibility in Tobacco Production (SRTP) program.

The SRTP program ensures and recognizes that industry standards are being adhered to throughout the product cycle from seed to final delivery. SRTP balances tobacco production with positive environmental management, soil and water conservation and appropriate use of agrochemicals. In addition, environmental and health and safety standards are also factors in the program.

USTC became a supplier participant in SRTP in December 2015. “We reviewed every aspect of our business model; from how our growers manage the process from seed to harvest, to the processing of our tobacco leaf at the stemmery, to producing high-quality tobacco products. If it is part of the business cycle, we analyzed it,” said USTC CEO Stuart Thompson.

Tobacco growers that are members of USTC are required to act in accordance with the SRTP program. This includes but is not limited to farmer training and education, integrated pest management, soil and water conservation, farm safety, seed selection and variety performance, to the elimination of non-tobacco related material on the farm.

SRTP also addresses various social and economic factors in the production of tobacco by protecting living standards, wages and any labor issues with a focus on eliminating any child labor that would be in violation of state or federal laws.

At the same time an in depth review of processing and manufacturing is undertaken to ensure a safe working environment by factoring in the environmental impact on the community and creating plans to rectify potential issues through awareness and training programs. “USTC provides appropriate support for all employees to ensure safety and a good working environment” said Thompson.

SRTP is based on regular self-assessment and third party audits by AB Sustain. It has become the industry standard in tobacco production, providing guidance and support, validation, and a step based approach to facilitate continuous improvement. The SRTP program is used globally by tobacco companies to encourage clear and consistent standards across the industry.