Tea farmers increase production
The Honde Valley Tea Growers Association (HVTGA) whose 1056 members recently attained the 2015 UTZ and Rainforest Alliance certification, in 2014 reported a 112 percent increase in annual production in comparison with 2013 volumes.
During the same period certification has also enhanced the quality of the product which resulted in a 357 percent increase in annual income for the smallholder tea farmers.The internationally-recognised UTZ and Rainforest Alliance certification programmes require that farmers implement international best practices.
The programmes create opportunities for farmers to grow better crops, ensure sustainable livelihoods, safeguard the environment and conserve biodiversity by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behaviour.