FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol visits the Tea Research Institute in China

Hangzhou, China – FAO is strengthening collaboration with partners to promote sustainable tea production in China and around the world through the FAO One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative. FAO Deputy Director-General Ms Beth Bechdol and Special Advisor to the FAO Director-General Mr Xia Jingyuan visited China to witness the progress of the FAO initiative, which aims to enhance sustainable development of the tea value chain.

On 8 October 2024, the delegation visited the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), the laboratory of the renowned academician Mr Chen Zongmao, and an ecological low-carbon tea demonstration garden in Hangzhou. These visits showcased how China is integrating advanced technologies with eco-friendly practices to drive innovation and sustainability in tea production.

Interaction with experts and government officials. © FAO/CAAS 

To date, 87 countries have joined the OCOP initiative, promoting 53 special agricultural products that hold unique qualities and cultural importance. China selected tea as its special agricultural product, considering its cultural and economic significance. In April 2024, China officially inaugurated the OCOP China Tea Programme and the International Tea Day Campaign with a launch event. The programme is jointly implemented by the Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre and National Agro-Tech Extension and Service Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, with the Tea Research Institute of CAAS as the main technical support unit.

During the visit, DDG Bechdol engaged with scientists and officials to discuss climate-resilient tea production, carbon-neutral tea gardens, sustainable pest and disease management, and global tea trade. Chinese tea experts shared insights on advancements such as achieving carbon neutrality in tea plantations, developing a global tea market analysis platform, and the integration of sustainable practices throughout the tea supply chain. Consensus was reached to deepen cooperation through technological exchanges, joint promotion of tea culture, and enhanced global recognition of International Tea Day celebrations.

DDG Bechdol underscored the global importance of tea as a unique agricultural product, emphasizing China’s leading role in the industry. "There are plenty of opportunities for China to take this leadership and to share its knowledge, research and technical expertise with other countries around the world,” she said. 

Mr Xia highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability in the agricultural value chain to address pressing agricultural challenges, such as climate change and ecological degradation. "The OCOP Chinese Tea programme focuses on ecological and low-carbon tea production, showcasing how green transformation can revitalize the tea industry and bring high-quality Chinese tea to global markets," he said.

Tea holds profound cultural, economic, and social significance worldwide. Beyond being a beverage, it embodies centuries of tradition and craftsmanship unique to different cultures. China's commitment to ecological low-carbon tea development positions it as a global leader to set a global benchmark for sustainable tea production while inspiring other tea-producing countries to adopt more sustainable practices. 

FAO delegation with tea experts in Tea Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. © FAO/CAAS