Zim Tobacco Association Restructures

Source from:  The Herald (Harare) 07/14/2004

ZIMBABWE Tobacco Association (ZTA) has undergone restructuring abolishing some posts to leave only six positions. These changes are a result of the general changes in the structure of the industry where a number of small-scale farmers have entered. ZTA was mainly focused on large-scale commercial farmers who numbered 1 299 in 1990 and have been reduced to an estimated 700 this year. "The association has restructured and right sized itself in line with changes in the tobacco industry. "The Association now only has a president, vice president, chief executive, two project officers and a secretary. "Mr Rodney Ambrose, who has been with the association for seven years, becomes the new chief executive officer," said ZTA. At its 44th annual congress held last month, Mr James de la Fargue from Mashonaland Central, was elected president of the association taking over from Mr Duncan Millar. The new vice president is Mr Andrew Ferreira of Mashonaland West. "The ZTA Council continues in its present form with 14 councillors drawn from the tobacco producing provinces, representing both commercial and small-scale farmers. "ZTA moving forward will be concentrating on the following issues: lobbying and representation on tobacco farming issues; information gathering; and exchange amongst tobacco organisations both locally and internationally, and negotiations with input suppliers for the benefit of tobacco farmers," said ZTA. The association would also carry out negotiations with tobacco merchants and contractors on relevant issues. ZTA was formed in 1928. Among its objectives is the need to promote and support research and training to ensure the continued development and expansion of the industry. It was responsible for the establishment of the Tobacco Research Board along with farmer training organisations such as Blackfordby Agricultural Institute. ZTA was responsible for putting in place a successful Tenant Farming Scheme to kick-start young commercial farmers and has sponsored large and emerging small-scale farmers who account for the majority of the association's membership in physical terms. Enditem