International Tea Day

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 International Tea Day 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 con...

The FAO Intergovernmental Group (IGG) on Tea represents a forum for intergovernmental consultation and exchange on trends in production, consumption, trade and prices of tea , including regular appraisal of the global market situation and short term outlook. The Group, under FAO auspices, considers changes in national policies and examines their international effects as they pertain to current and prospective markets. Increasingly, technical side events are organized in conjunction with the IGG to facilitate a dialogue between FAO delegates, international policy makers, and the private sector. Linkages with other international organizations and commodity bodies are encouraged. The Membership in the Group is open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO, including Observers from international organizations and institutions. Nearly all importing and exporting countries of tea are members of the IGG. Previous sessions The 25th Session of the Intergovernmental Group on T...