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

From uplifting growers' voices in global policy discussions to supporting sustainable agricultural practices, ITGA's journey has been one of growth, unity, and innovation.

ITGA continues to stand as a key representative in policy dialogues, advocating for a balanced approach that considers both public health goals and the economic well-being of growers.

To mark this unique milestone, we have collected a series of messages from our members and partners around the world. 

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“I pleasantly recall the effort to gather millions of grower petitions to hand deliver to the COP 4 secretariat in Punta de Este asking for our presence in the COP discussions.”

Roger Quarles (2008-2010)

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“ITGA from its inception has played a key role in defending the sector, and the most important thing from my point of view is the integration that could be achieved through globalization, despite the distance between countries and continents.“

Jorge Julio Cesar Nestor (2010-2012)

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“ITGA has always been and still is the only global place where growers can form a collective voice, develop strategies jointly, join forces, and align on positions and how to successfully defend the future of the sector.”

François Van Der Merwe (2012-2016)

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“As an active tobacco farmer and former ITGA President, I urge fellow farmers to continue being united and practice what is required to produce a compliant crop, at the same time ensuring that farms are able to make a profit to sustain livelihoods.”

Abiel Kalima Banda (2019-2022)