Why Organic Certification Is Essential For Thriving Tea Suppliers

As tea lovers, choosing organically certified is crucial to ensure that they are of high quality and crafted sustainably and ethically. In this blog, we will explore why organic certification is so important, its benefits, and the different types of certifications available. We will also explore a few of the most important types of certifications including USDA organic certification and regenerative organic certification.

Let’s start from the basics!

Understanding Organic Certification

In layman’s terms, organic certification guarantees that the tea we drink is grown and processed without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals. This certification promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly practices that prioritize the health of the soil, plants, surrounding ecosystems, and the consumers who enjoy the tea.

By choosing organically certified teas, you demonstrate a commitment to providing pure, natural, and safe products to your customers. Organic certification also helps in building trust and credibility with your clients, as it assures them that the tea they are purchasing from you meets strict standards and regulations.

Types of Organic Certification

While someone new to the trade might think that there is only one type of organic certification, there are several. Each certification is unique and has its own set of requirements and standards. 

As someone in the tea trade, it is important to understand the differences between these certifications to make informed decisions and provide factual and accurate information to your customers. Some of the top certifications that you should be familiar with are: 

USDA Organic Certification

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification is one of the most widely recognized and respected organic certifications in the world. To attain a USDA organic certification, tea must be grown and processed according to strict guidelines, such as:

• Without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides
• Without the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
• Without the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer
• With strict requirements for animal welfare and pasture access (for livestock)
• Providing detailed record-keeping and inspection processes
• The land being free of prohibited substances for at least three years

USDA organic certification is a reliable indicator of the tea's quality and adherence to organic standards, making it a popular choice for tea suppliers and consumers alike.

At Nepal Tea Collective, all our teas are USDA-certified. We follow all the guidelines and necessary regulations throughout our processes to ensure that the teas and herbs we are offering are pure, natural, and safe. Our family farm at Kanchanjangha Tea Estate and Research Center (KTERC) is the first garden in Nepal to achieve organic certification by the Institute for Marketecology (IMO) and produces teas of the utmost quality. 

Furthermore, KTERC also produces herbs like lemongrass, cardamoms, ginger, and cinnamon which are also organic certified.

However, we should mention that we also source a few of our teas and herbs from farms that have yet to attain organic certification.

European Union Organic Certification:

The EU has its own set of regulations for organic farming. Aptly named “European Union Organic Certification”, it is a comprehensive system designed to regulate organic farming practices across EU member states. Like USDA, this certification ensures that agricultural products are produced according to strict organic standards, promoting sustainability and consumer trust.

The EU Organic Certification is governed by Regulation (EU) 2018/848, which outlines the requirements for organic production and labeling. This regulation was made effective from January 1, 2022, and replaced previous regulations to enhance clarity and consistency across the EU. 

While most of the requirements to attain an EU organic certification are virtually the same as acquiring a USDA certification, there are a few key differences between the two. Some of the major differences are: 

Regulatory Framework: The USDA governs the National Organic Program (NOP), which sets standards for organic farming and labeling in the U.S. Meanwhile, the EU Organic Regulation (EU) 2018/848 manages EU organic certification, outlining comprehensive standards for organic production across member states.

Labeling Categories: USDA offers multiple labeling categories, such as "100% Organic," "Organic" (at least 95% organic ingredients), and "Made with Organic Ingredients" (at least 70% organic ingredients).

EU organic certification, on the other hand, requires that at least 95% of ingredients be organic to use the EU organic logo, and all products must indicate the regulatory control body and origin.

Use of Non-Organic Ingredients:

USDA allows up to 5% of non-organic ingredients in products labeled as "Organic," provided they are on an approved list, such as this one on the Code of Federal Regulations.

The EU allows up to 5% of non-organic ingredients in organic products, but these ingredients must appear on the EU’s authorized list to ensure a high standard of organic integrity.

Regenerative Organic Certification

Another important organic certification that’s picking up steam is the regenerative organic certification.  This is a newer standard that goes beyond traditional organic certification by focusing on soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. To be certified as regenerative organic, tea must meet the following criteria:

• Improve soil health and biodiversity
• Ensure high animal welfare standards
• Provide fair wages and working conditions for workers
• Promote community health and resilience

Regenerative organic certification is a more comprehensive approach and aims to promote sustainable agriculture that not only avoids harm but actively restores and regenerates the land and communities involved in tea production.

Benefits of Organic Certification for Tea Suppliers

Choosing to offer organically certified teas offers multiple benefits, both for your business and for the environment. We have highlighted some of the top benefits: 

Environmental Benefits

Organic tea production prioritizes the health of the soil, water, and air, reducing the negative impact on the environment. By avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, organic tea farming helps to preserve biodiversity, protect wildlife habitats, and reduce pollution. It also helps in lowering the carbon footprint of tea production. Organic certification helps in ensuring responsible choices for eco-conscious consumers. 

Health Benefits

Choosing organic certified tea offers several health benefits. It is free from harmful synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides, making it a safer and healthier choice for consumers. Organic teas are also rich in antioxidants like catechins and flavonoids which, according to some studies like this one from the National Library of Medicine, may fight against high-fat diet-induced obesity and type II diabetes. 

Furthermore, organic tea leaves are never washed or rinsed throughout the entirety of the process. This means that customers can rest assured that they are getting only the most natural and purest products.  

It could also reduce the risk of coronary disease by helping combat oxidative stress and may lower chronic heart disease. By offering organic teas, tea suppliers can provide their customers with peace of mind, knowing that they are purchasing pure, natural products that are good for their health.

The absence of synthetic chemicals further enhances flavor and aroma, leading to a more enjoyable tea-drinking experience. Additionally, organic teas often align with fair trade principles, promoting ethical farming practices. 

Market Demand

The trend today is that consumers are increasingly seeking out organic and sustainable products. This includes everything from cosmetics, food, clothes, and beverages like tea. By offering organically certified teas, tea suppliers can tap into this growing market demand and differentiate themselves from competitors who do not prioritize organic certification.

Today, an organic certification stamp on the packaging is seen as an enticing badge that attracts new customers.   

Improved Soil Health

Organic tea farming focuses on fostering healthy, nutrient-rich soil through the use of natural fertilizers, cover crops, and crop rotation. These practices not only improve the quality of the tea but also enhance the long-term sustainability of the land in the tea plantation. Furthermore, organic tea farms often maintain diverse plant species and habitats. 

This biodiversity supports a wide range of soil organisms, from earthworms to fungi, that play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and soil aggregation. A healthy, diverse soil biome is essential for both plant health and long-term soil fertility.

Challenges and Considerations

While numerous benefits come with getting organic certification, there are also a few challenges and considerations that tea suppliers should be aware of.

Complex Process

Obtaining organic certification can be a lengthy and complicated process that requires detailed record-keeping, regular inspections, and strict adherence to set standards. Tea suppliers should be prepared to invest a large portion of theory time and resources into the certification process to ensure that they meet all the requirements. 

High Cost

Attaining an organic certification comes with a considerable financial expense. This is largely due to the additional labor and resources required to meet all the set standards. If you’re looking to obtain a certification, you must factor in the cost and any potential price premiums.

Nepal Tea Collective sources our teas and herbs from several partner firms that strictly follow all the standard organic practices in supplying premium-grade teas and herbs. While all tea and herbs sourced from KTERC are certified organic, other partner farms have not yet obtained organic certification primarily due to the complex processes and associated high costs. 

Supply Chain Traceability

To ensure the integrity of organic certification, tea suppliers must have a robust system for tracing the origin and handling of their tea throughout the supply chain. This requires close collaboration with tea growers, processors, and other stakeholders to maintain transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

Opting to sell organically certified teas is a wise decision for tea suppliers who are committed to providing their customers with high-quality, sustainable, and ethical products. By prioritizing organic certification, tea suppliers can tap into growing market demand, reduce their environmental impact, and build trust and credibility with their clients.

Whether you choose USDA or EU organic certification or regenerative organic certification, investing in organic tea production is an investment in the future of your business and the planet.