Agricultural Labour Practices (ALP) Compliance Guidelines
At Mkwawa Leaf Tobacco Ltd, we are committed to promoting responsible and ethical labour practices throughout our tobacco supply chain. Our Agricultural Labour Practices (ALP) Programme supports farmers in understanding and meeting social and labour standards while promoting safe, fair and respectful working conditions.
Our approach focuses on farmer due diligence, regular monitoring, consequences management for non-compliance ,rewards systems for exemplary performance.
Farmers receive guidance and support on key areas including child labour prevention, fair wages, worker welfare and accommodation, occupational health and safety, responsible use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and the prohibition of forced labour and abuse.
Through collaboration with farmers, Primary Societies and other stakeholders, we promote accountability and recognise good performance while addressing non-compliance through appropriate corrective measures. This approach strengthens worker protection, responsible farming practices and the long-term sustainability of our tobacco supply chain.
MLTL’s ALP Compliance Guidelines provide a structured and transparent approach to managing labour practices in tobacco farming. By combining rigorous due diligence, fair consequence management, and meaningful rewards, MLTL fosters a culture of responsibility, respect, and continuous improvement.
This programme not only protects the rights and welfare of workers but also strengthens the integrity and sustainability of MLTL’s supply chain. Through collaboration, education, and accountability, Mozambique Leaf Tobacco Limited aims to lead by example in promoting ethical agricultural practices across the industry.
The Social Programme was developed to ensure that farmers are not only aware of but also actively comply with MLTL’s social standards. The programme emphasizes continuous improvement, aiming to resolve persistent issues through structured support and accountability.
The objectives of these guidelines are to:
Provide a clear framework for pre-contracting due diligence.
Define procedures for managing non-compliance.
Establish a reward system to recognize and encourage good practices.
Establish a reward system to recognize and encourage good practices.
Purpose and Scope
Due diligence is a critical step in ensuring that only farmers who meet, or are willing to meet, MLTL’s social standards are contracted. This process applies to both previously contracted and new farmers.
Evaluation of Previously Contracted Farmers
Before renewing contracts, MLTL evaluates:
Past performance in adhering to ALP standards.
Implementation of previously agreed corrective actions (Prompt Actions).
Suitability of land and labour plans for the upcoming season.
Adequacy and safety of worker accommodations.
Farmers must also reaffirm their commitment to:
Paying workers at least the legal minimum wage.
Ensuring school-age children are enrolled and regularly attending school.
Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for handling crop protection agents (CPA).
Improving accommodations that do not meet defined standards.
Evaluation of New Farmers
New farmers undergo a baseline assessment conducted by field technicians.
This includes:
Reviewing land allocation and labour plans.
Communicating MLTL’s social standards and expectations.
Assessing the adequacy of worker accommodations.
Ensuring understanding of wage, education, and safety requirements.
Farmers who do not fully meet the standards may still be contracted if they agree to implement corrective actions. These actions are documented and monitored throughout the season. MLTL provides targeted support to help farmers meet compliance requirements.
Monitoring includes:
Regular farm visits.
Evaluation of progress on agreed actions.
Documentation of compliance status.
Farmers are informed of the consequence management framework at the time of contracting, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Overview
Consequence management is applied when farmers fail to comply with ALP standards despite receiving support. The severity of non-compliance determines the action taken, ranging from continued monitoring to immediate removal from the supply chain.
Zero Tolerance Practices
Immediate removal from supply chain applies to:
Employment of children under 14 in tobacco-related work.
Physical punishment or abuse.
Sexual harassment or abuse.
Forced labour practices, such as:
Withholding identification documents.
Restricting worker movement.
Deceiving workers about employment terms.
Employment under bond, debt, or threat.
Major Non-Conformities
These include:
Children under 12 involved in tobacco work.
Children under 14 employed on farm.
Hazardous tasks performed by individuals under 18.
Excessive working hours without consent.
Unpaid or underpaid wages.
Unsafe or substandard accommodations.
Unsafe working conditions.
Severity Levels and Actions
High Severity: Zero tolerance for violations or repeated major non-conformities = Immediate removal from the supply chain.
Medium Severity: Multiple or recurring major non-conformities = Non-renewal of future supply
agreements.Low Severity: Single major non-conformity with corrective action taken = Continued monitoring and follow-up.
Implementation Process
To ensure fairness and consistency, the consequence management process includes:
Clear communication of expectations and consequences to farmers.
Documentation of all actions and decisions, including:
Contract clauses and agreed corrective actions.
Participation in support initiatives.
Warning letters and termination notices.
Formal approval process for contract terminations.
Maintenance of records for transparency and appeals.
Purpose
To motivate farmers and reinforce positive behaviour, MLTL has established a reward system for those who consistently meet or exceed ALP standards. This system recognizes farmers who demonstrate a strong commitment to social compliance and sustainable practices.
Eligibility Criteria
Farmers must:
Have no unresolved social compliance issues.
Proactively address potential risks.
Proactively address potential risks.
Types of Rewards
Sustainability Bonus: A financial incentive paid at the end of the season upon tobacco purchase.
CSR Prioritization: Compliant primary societies receive priority for community development projects, such as boreholes and diversification initiatives.
Recognition Events: Certificates and prizes are awarded during public events like Child Day (June 12), Cooperative Commemoration Week, and NaneNane festivals.
Increased Volume Allocation: Additional contract volume in the next season for high- performing farmers or Primary Societies.
Rewards are communicated clearly to reinforce the link between good practices and benefits, encouraging other farmers to improve.
Agronomy Team
Leads farm monitoring and data analysis.
Evaluates farmer performance and makes recommendations on contracting and consequence management.
Corporate Affairs
Supports communication with stakeholders.
Facilitates external engagement and contract management processes.
Legal Department
Ensures compliance with local laws and regulations.
Reviews and approves contract terminations.
The ALP Compliance Programme is designed to be dynamic and responsive. MLTL encourages feedback from all stakeholders and regularly reviews its policies to ensure they remain effective and relevant. The integration of due diligence, consequence management, and rewards creates a balanced approach that promotes accountability while supporting farmers in their journey toward sustainable and ethical farming.
MLTL’s ALP Compliance Guidelines provide a structured and transparent approach to managing labour practices in tobacco farming. By combining rigorous due diligence, fair consequence management, and meaningful rewards, MLTL fosters a culture of responsibility, respect, and continuous improvement.
This programme not only protects the rights and welfare of workers but also strengthens the integrity and sustainability of MLTL’s supply chain. Through collaboration, education, and accountability, Mozambique Leaf Tobacco Limited aims to lead by example in promoting ethical agricultural practices across the industry.