The Quality Assurance Division (QAD) of the NTA Industrial Research Department facilitated the conduct of the Orientation Seminar to NTA new entrants on the Approved Harmonized Grading System for Burley Tobacco held at NTA Farmers’ Training Center, Vigan Branch, San Juan, Ilocos Sur on August 31-September 1.
Participants were new Tobacco Production and Regulation Officers (TPROs), Agriculturists, and Researchers from the branch offices in La Union, Vigan, and Pangasinan, including the three departments – Farm Technology and Services, Industrial Research, and Regulation.
NTA Administrator/CEO Robert Victor G. Seares Jr, in his video message, said that grading the tobacco leaves is the most challenging and very critical aspect of trading, as it determines whether the farmer gains or loses.
“That is why you are all here to guide the farmers. Buying station operators and NTA technicians who are helping our farmers should adhere to these standards in all types and subtypes of tobacco,” Seares said.
QAD Chief Science Research Specialist, Dina B. Dela Reyna served as moderator. Cyrus Raymond C. Olivenza, Science Research Specialist II, and Engr. Kathlyn Mae A. Tejano, Science Research Specialist I, as lecturers.
Topics discussed were the introduction to the tobacco plant, rules of grading, the key to harmonized grade, features of the harmonized leaf grades, harmonized grades for locally grown Burley tobacco, and NTA grade equivalents of the harmonized grade description. The harmonization of leaf grades is contained in Memorandum Circular No. 001, series of 2018 signed by NTA Administrator Robert L. Seares on February 20, 2018. The said Circular, which took effect beginning the trading season in 2018, covers the adoption of the Harmonized Grading and Classification System by all registered tobacco buying stations and field canvassers.