Celebrating 40 years of the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA)

Today, 26 November 2024, marks the 40th anniversary of the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA). The ITGA is an organisation that has served as a dedicated advocate and global platform for tobacco farmers since its inception in 1984.

The ITGA was established by the six leading tobacco-exporting countries at the time (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Malawi, the USA and Zimbabwe), to give a unified voice to tobacco growers worldwide, creating a platform to represent their interests and address their unique challenges.

Leaders of tobacco farmer associations from these countries met at the ZTA House, in Harare, Zimbabwe, and agreed to form an organisation to promote and develop their common interests throughout the world. From that agreement came the ITGA. Prior to 1984, tobacco growers world-wide had no unified voice.

The idea was that the voice of a collective farmers body would be much stronger than those of individual entities. Ever since then, the sustainability of the farmers and their communities have been the key objectives of the association.

Since its establishment in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1984, the ITGA has grown from its initial six founding countries to represent over 20 countries globally.

Over the years, ITGA has expanded its reach, including members from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, solidifying its position as a global representative. The organisation has been instrumental in facilitating discussions around the tobacco industry, advocating for a balance between regulatory needs and the livelihoods of farmers. In response to environmental and economic pressures, ITGA has launched initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable farming and crop diversification to help growers adapt to changing market demands.

Through active engagement with governments and organisations, the ITGA has advocated for fair treatment of tobacco growers, especially in light of global anti-tobacco campaigns such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The association has also fostered partnerships with research institutions and NGOs to educate farmers on sustainable agriculture and diversification strategies.

Today, the organisation continues to play a crucial role in policy dialogues, ensuring that the voices of tobacco farmers are heard and considered in global discussions about the industry's future. The ITGA gatherings are fundamental in their role to bring farmers, experts, and other stakeholders to discuss pressing issues, share knowledge, and explore innovations in sustainable agriculture.