In 2005, a group of tea workers from India got together and created International Tea Day. The idea behind the group (and the day) was to share the plight of tea workers and to shed more light on the industry and its work force.
As the tea industry continues to experience tremendous growth, it is important that traditions, quality and meaning are not lost. The living environments of tea workers are often substandard and the wages extremely low. What is more, the large conventional tea estates spray the fields while the workers are there. The children that are raised on these estates are exposed to pesticides and deplorable living arrangements.
Now in its tenth year, the purpose of International Tea Day remains the same.
When we as tea consumers are better informed about the origins of our favourite beverage we can demand improved situations and salaries within the industry. We also have the option of choosing fair trade and organic. When we purchase organic tea we support a healthier living and work environment for hundreds of tea pickers worldwide.
International Tea Day is officially on the 15th.
Come to the farm to celebrate International Tea Day with a cup of beautiful organically grown tea on Sunday December 13.
We are open 10-5pm and will be sharing (tea) prizes with every purchase throughout the day.
In honour of all the amazing tea workers worldwide, Teafarm co-creator and ceramic artist Margit Nellemann will be drawing for one of her funky handbuilt clay teapots. Margit has given away a teapot for the past eight years to raise awareness of the working conditions for tea pickers around the world.