Some important aspects of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) with regard to crop protection in cigar tobacco are different from the tobaccos used in other manufactured tobacco products, mainly cigarettes. This is due to the fact that any damage, whether mechanical or physiological, significantly depreciates the value of leaves to the extent that they no longer meet market requirements. This applies especially to cigar wrapper leaves. It is therefore necessary to take this into account when setting Guidance Residue Levels specifically for this type of tobacco.

This Guide outlines both the production and crop protection practices that contribute to the difference between cigar and other tobaccos. It also provides guidance on critical best practice for managing Crop Protection Agents (CPAs). The Guide is preparatory to setting Guidance Residue Levels (GRLs) for cigar tobaccos to complement those for tobaccos used in cigarettes listed in CORESTA Guide No. 1 [“The Concept and Implementation of CPA Guidance Residue Levels”]. This project is supported by a parallel series of field trials measuring residues in cigar tobacco in crops managed according to GAP in countries growing cigar tobacco across the globe.