The biggest challenge in tea right now?

Climate change has one of the most profound impacts on tea. It has increased temperatures and brought unpredictable rainfall. It has even led extreme weather conditions, which are impacting yields, quality, creating an increased dependence on irrigation, and leading to more pest and disease outbreaks. Tea is labour intensive, and the tea pluckers are also feeling the effects. For example, the phenomenon of high humidity coupled with high temperatures in India has made it difficult for pluckers to carry out their activities safely.   

What is Fairtrade doing to face climate change?

Fairtrade continues to promote Good Agricultural Practices. Fairtrade NAPP is on-the-ground working with our certified plantations on a holistic approach to agriculture that includes organic composting and integrated pest management. This way famers can better respond to climate change while also improving biodiversity.

Is this making a difference?

These farming practices are helping with effects of climate change but also leading to organic products. In fact, more of our certified tea plantations are producing organic. Right now, we have about 30 percent of our tea plantations in the organic sphere, and we see that number growing. This is fantastic and the direction we want to head in. 

What about surplus is that still an issue?

Yes, global tea supply growth outpaces demand, and there is surplus. This leads to low prices and low returns for farmers. This means we need to continue to find ways to manage surpluses, while also encouraging farm diversification. Livelihoods at stake and we must act. 

If you could change one thing about the tea industry right now, what would it be?

The consumer perception of tea needs to change; not all tea is the same. The fact is that good tea comes from high quality tea leaves that are traded fairly. The tea industry is not creating the value it should for the second most consumed beverage in the world (after water), and I wish that could change.