Web Desk: International Tea Day is being observed today as the Theme this year is “women and their role in the tea sector”.
The day provides us an opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage, health benefits and economic importance of tea.
The origins of tea stretch back more than 5 000 years, but its contributions to health, culture and socioeconomic development are still as relevant today. Tea is currently grown in very localized areas, and supports over 13 million people, including smallholder farmers and their households, who depend on the tea sector for their livelihoods.
International Tea Day is an opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage, health benefits and economic importance of tea, while working to make its production sustainable “from field to cup” ensuring its benefits for people, cultures and the environment continue for generations.
Celebrating tea
Recognizing the long history and the cultural and economic significance of tea around the world, as well as the significant role it plays in rural development, poverty reduction and food security in developing countries, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 May as International Tea Day, calling on FAO to lead the observance.
Tea production and processing are a main source of livelihoods for millions of families. The celebration promotes the sustainable production, consumption, and trade of tea, and offers an opportunity for actors at global, regional and national levels to ensure that the tea sector continues to play a role in reducing extreme poverty, fighting hunger and safeguarding natural resources.
Key Messages
Tea production and processing represent a source of livelihoods for millions of families, including millions in the least developed countries.
The tea sector is a multi-billion dollar industry that can support economies and contribute to sustainable food systems.
Tea export earnings help to finance food import bills, supporting the economies of major tea-producing countries.
The tea sector contributes to socio-economic development, representing a major source of employment and income for millions of poor families worldwide.
Tea thrives in very specific agro-ecological conditions and environments, which are often impacted by climate change.
Smallholder tea producers need our support to strengthen their business model and environment and overcome the challenges they face.
In order to ensure benefits for both people and the environment, the tea value chain must be efficient and sustainable at all stages, from field to cup.
