1. Review of 2012/2013 Tobacco Industry Seminar Resolutions
Fred Kamvazina
TCC.

2. 1.Official Opening Speech
The seminar noted with appreciation the opening speech made by the Vice-president the Rt honorable Khumbo Kachali and resolved to support government’s ERP.
The seminar also noted the concerns raised by the Vice- president on the urgent need to release tobacco prices for marketing season. (Action TCC).
Update: not done timely as requested
3. The seminar further noted in the Vice president’ s speech the need to fast truck the amendment of the tobacco act for submission in the next sitting of parliament. (Action Min. of Agriculture and Food Security).
Update: ready for presentation during the November parliament sitting

3. Global Tobacco Trends
The seminar noted that Malawi Burley tobacco is a unique crop on the world market and resolved to continue producing it in quantities related to trade requirements. Action TCC/Government/Grower associations.
Update: Being done
2. The seminar also noted that FCV is on high demand and resolved to promote its production to meet the market demand. Action TCC/Government/Grower associations.
Update: task force of industry stakeholders established to oversee the promotion

4. NTRM Factory Findings and Trends
. The meeting resolved to find alternative sources of funds to eliminate NTRM. Action TCC. Update: alternative sources not found

5. Control of Tobacco Beetle Infestation
The seminar resolved to merge the Tobacco Beetle Task force and the NTRM committee. Action Beetle Task Force (TF) and NTRM Committee.
Update: Committee merged
2. The seminar also resolved to circulate “Best practices manual on tobacco beetle infestation control .“ (Action ARET)
Update: Manual circulated by ARET
3. Research to gather more information on tobacco beetle to be intensified. Action ARET
Update: done
4. Penalty recommendations made by the TF should be considered for incorporation in the (draft) tobacco act. Action TCC/Government.
Update: Done

6. Cost of Production
. The seminar resolved to continue with consultations in the development of the COP. Action ARET/TCC.
Update: being done and is continuous process

7. Tobacco Industry Strategic Plan
The seminar noted the strides made by Africa Economic Consulting Group (AECG) in developing the SP and resolved that stakeholders should comment on the strategies and action plan document circulated by TCC. Action all stakeholders by end December 2012
Update: Adopted by all stakeholders

8. Tobacco afforestation levy
The seminar resolved to lobby Govt to allow TCC to be custodian of revenue from the levy. (Action TCC & Ministry of Finance).
Update: being done

9. WHO / FCTC
. The seminar noted the indication by govt that discussions to accede to the FCTC are at a higher level and resolved to urge govt to expedite the process before COP 6. Action MOAFS Update: Govt considering accession

10. Child Labour
. The meeting noted the serious need to eliminate child labor in Tobacco and adopted the decision to establish a Child labor desk office at TCC which shall be coordinating child labour activities in the tobacco industry. (Action TCC)
Update: desk office established

11. Value Chain
The meeting noted that the current tobacco value chain is outdated and resolved that it should be updated and circulated to all stakeholders. Action TCC/Govt.
Update: Not done, to be carried over

12. Biometrics grower registration
. The meeting noted the delays experienced in rolling out Biometric registration due to limitation of funds and resolved to fully roll- out Biometric registration and fully phase out Fox Pro by end of 2013 with the assistance of industry funds. (Action TCC to circulate budget to stakeholders within December 2012).
Update: Fox pro phased out; Budget circulated to industry stakeholders awaiting response

13. Tobacco Transportation
. All tobacco produced through IPS will be transported under dual or tripartite arrangements between buyers and growers and grower associations. Action Transporters, Buyers, Growers and Grower associations).
Update: done

14. Monitoring and Evaluation
. The seminar was informed of the establishment of the position of Monitoring and Evaluation officer in TCC and resolved that M&E should cover a broader spectrum of tobacco activities. Action TCC. Update: Position advertised but officer not yet engaged

15. Tobacco grower association regulations
. The seminar noted the non-existence of proper regulatory frame work for registration of grower associations and resolved to develop the regulations. (Action TCC & Govt). Update: included in the Revised Tobacco Act