Organic tea - laws and labelling for certified organic teas

The Tea Detective
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea

Organically Grown Tea

The growing of organic tea is relatively new, dating back only seven to ten years. The rules
under which organic tea is produced are fairly complicated and tightly controlled. The tea crop
must be grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. It relies on
totally natural organic matter such as compost, dung, and plants and trees to provide the
necessary nutrients and ground cover.

With the world facing a global climate crisis, there's
more information daily on the threat of chemicals to
not only our health, but the health of our world. Not
only do chemicals directly affect the ground, but the
food grown in it.

But it's the emissions released during their manufac-
ture that has an even greater impact on the environ
ment. The harmful emissions given off during the
manufacturing of chemicals has been directly linked
to global warming.

It's up to all of us to do our part to stop the killing of
our earth. Going organic is a great place to start, for
the environment, your health, and that of your loved
ones.

Officially Organic

There are two categories of organic tea production:

1) Tea that's certified organic by one of several international agencies
2) Tea that's grown according to traditional methods, following the principals of organic growth,
but not validated by a certified agent

When a tea is labeled "certified organic", it has met the conditions by at least one of the
regulatory agencies having established guidelines for organic food production.

That's not to say that all non-organic certified teas contain chemicals and are unhealthy. But for
those consumers interested in long term health for both themselves and the environment, there
is a system in place that recognizes the fine qualities and flavor of organically grown tea.

Some tea has been grown organically for centuries, in spite of codes or set rules. These tea
estates have simply followed tradition in growing their tea, following age-old agricultural
principals set down by their ancestors, and their ancestor's ancestors, using secret methods and
traditions known only to the tea grower.

And even though there are more and more tea drinkers worldwide, in the U.S., Canada, the UK,
Western Europe (especially Germany), and the growing Asian middle class, who are demanding
high quality organic teas, the production is driven mainly by cost. The cost ratio (and other
factors) of producing organic tea definitely affects the production, both now and in the future.

Regulatory Organizations

Products labeled "organic" must be certified according to these guidelines and then may be identified with the official
label of the European Union. There are only two categories of "certified organic" allowed; one for products containing
at least 95% organic ingredients, and one for products containing 70 - 95% organic ingredients.

Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS)
Japanese government identifies all certified products. Managed by the MAFF, Japan's Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the JAS law regulates the labeling of agricultural products.

The Soil Association (England)
Founded in 1946, The Soil Association is a private agency founded by a group of scientists,
farmers, and nutritionists. A charity that's funded solely by its members and outside donations,
The Soil Association is the main organic organization in the U.K., with its symbol being the most
trusted and recognizable organic mark.

Demeter-International e.V. (Germany)
Demeter-International e.V. is the international trademark for products certified from Biodynamic Agriculture worldwide.
Located in Darmstadt, with principal offices in Germany, Belgium, and Singapore, its membership is contractual and
based on adherence to Biodynamic Agriculture, a method originated by Dr. Rudolf Steiner in his agriculture course,
dating back to 1924.

Other Organic Regulatory Agencies
There are many other natural agricultural-control agencies, as well as private and state certified programs. Depending
on the type of certification and/or the country in which the tea will be retailed, it may carry a government, or
private-independent certification, or both.

Of the better known certifying agencies whose logos you might see, there's Germany's International Federation of
Organic Agriculture Movements, Switzerland's Institute for Marketecology, California Certified Organic Farmers,
and California's Quality Assurance International. Enjoy.

For more information or to learn more about tea, visit our other pages:

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Learn about the six main types of tea, how they are produced, and the different processing methods
that distinguish them from one another. (For a great selection of organic teas visit Silver Leaf Tea Co.)

How do I choose the right tea for me?
Buying loose leaf tea for the first time can be confusing, but we've taken the work out of it for you.
With lots of helpful tips and information, we've turned confusing into confident.

What is Fair Trade and how does it work?
The origins of the early Fair Trade program and the organizations that helped
to develop it and are considered to be the founding fathers of Fair Trade.

Scented teas are a fragrant and refreshing treat for the taste buds
Having been perfected by the Chinese many centuries ago, these delicate, refreshing, and relaxing teas
are not only tasty, but sport many health benefits as well.

So who is Earl Grey, anyway?
Earl Grey is probably the most recognizable of blended teas, but there are many other tasty blends that
make the perfect beginning or end to your day. (Try premium Earl Grey tea from Silver Leaf Tea Co.).

Visit The Tea Detective sitemap for a listing of all pages

To verify the tea you're purchasing is organic, look for the logo or stamp of the regulatory
organization that has set the standards for organic tea production. The five most reputable
regulatory organizations, with the highest standards, that you're likely to see are:

United States: USDA National Organic Program (logo stamped NOP)
The USDA (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture) developed a set of national organic standards in the
1990's. They were activated in 2002 under the legislation known as "USDA National Organic
Program", or NOP for short.

The legislation requires all organic products be certified by an independent agency approved by
the USDA, and that products labeled "organic" must be certified according to the guidelines set
forth by the legislation.

Under the NOP there are four categories of organic content: 100% organic, 95% or more
organic, 70% to 95% organic, and less than 70% organic. Products are required to have the
appropriate official label of the USDA.

European Union: Regulation No. 2092/91
The European Union is the largest organic marketplace in the world and was the first to enact
governmental legislation in regard to organic production and marketing. The original regulation
was drafted in 1991, going into effect in 1992.

Since then Regulation No. 2092/91 has been modified, clarified, and amended and at 95 pages,
is quite comprehensive. It's also the legal basis for the production, processing, and trade of all
organic products in the twenty-seven countries of the European Union, as of 2007.

Products labeled "organic" must be certified according to these guidelines and then may be
identified with the official label of the European Union. There are only two categories of
"certified organic" allowed; one for products containing at least 95% organic ingredients, and
one for products containing 70 - 95% organic ingredients.

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