As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our business, we work with independent farmers in our Tobacco Leaders Program to promote the sustainability of the natural resources on which we depend for good quality tobacco.
In order to make our products, we need to buy good quality tobacco from reliable sources at a fair price. In the United States, we purchase tobacco from thousands of independent farmers who contract with Philip Morris USA through the
Tobacco Leaders Program (TLP).
Our Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) initiative, introduced in 2004, encourages TLP growers to manage resources, improve efficiency and reduce negative impacts to land, water and air. We work directly with growers to promote the sustainability of the natural resources on which we depend.
In 2003, 2004 and 2005, PM USA worked in cooperation with selected universities to conduct environmental impact surveys among farmers. Survey results suggest that:
- Farmers are aware of the need to address the impact of agriculture on the environment.
- Nutrient management, among other topics, is an area of future focus for tobacco growers.
We also buy tobacco from other countries such as Malawi, Brazil, Argentina and Turkey.
Malawi is an example of a country where environmental and socioeconomic problems present greater challenges than in the United States. Solutions to these challenges often require a holistic approach. In Malawi, PM USA works with organizations like Washington State University to provide support for programs aimed at addressing:
- sustainability of agriculture resources
- reduction in environmental degradation
- maintaining and enriching forestation through an expansive tree planting program
- training communities on agriculture and health management practices including irrigation systems and safe water supplies
- general education focused on improving the quality of life in the grower communities
