Sustainable Tea Practices

Tea farming in Meitan County, Guizhou Province, is undergoing a significant transformation toward environmental sustainability, marked by a recent ban on the herbicide glyphosate. Authorities in Meitan have prioritized eco-friendly agricultural practices as part of a judicial initiative aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of local tea production. This initiative "aligns with the county’s stringent agricultural standards, which prohibit 156 forms of pesticides—far exceeding the national ban on 98 types."

Yang Dong, an official from Meitan’s agricultural department, highlighted the county’s commitment to clean farming practices, commenting on the belief that weeds are better dealt with than a herbicide like glyphosate. To further support sustainable tea farming, Meitan promotes public outreach through events like the annual field management day on October 29. This event educates "the area’s 300,000 tea farmers on sustainable techniques such as natural pruning and organic fertilization, ensuring they have the tools to produce high-quality, safe tea while minimizing environmental impact."

Image Credit: Shutterstock