html

Building a New Model for Tea Production

In the Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayas, Young Mountain Tea is building something entirely new: Kumaon Tea, a farmer-owned tea factory and a partnership between Young Mountain and smallholder farmers. The project aims to produce premium specialty tea, boosting farmers' income and creating a system that breaks from the colonial legacy of the tea industry.

• The project focuses on improving the quality of tea and, in turn, the lives of Himalayan farmers.
• The ultimate goal is to create system change within the tea industry.

The Inspiration for Kumaon Tea

Raj Vable, co-founder of Young Mountain Tea, was initially involved in solar electrification projects in the Kumaon region. He witnessed the challenges faced by farmers, including land degradation and outmigration.

• Vable saw an opportunity to utilize the agricultural expertise of the local farmers by introducing tea cultivation.
• The initial attempt to grow tea in 2013 failed, but it led Vable to connect with Desmond Birkbeck, a second-generation tea farmer with expertise in specialty tea.

The Role of Regenerative Farming

Young Mountain Tea’s mission extends beyond simply producing tea. They are committed to fostering sustainable practices that benefit the environment and the community.

• The project emphasizes regenerative farming, which aims to restore soil health, improve biodiversity, and enhance water management.
• By encouraging regenerative farming practices, Young Mountain Tea contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Kumaon region.

Building a Farmer-Owned Tea Factory

The core of Kumaon Tea is the farmer-owned tea factory. The factory is a critical element in empowering farmers and ensuring a fair share of the profits.

• The factory's ownership structure involves a trust established on behalf of the farmers, giving them a stake in the company.
• The factory aims to meet U.S. food-safety compliance regulations, enabling the sale of high-quality specialty tea to health-conscious consumers.

The Importance of a Vertically Integrated System

Young Mountain Tea’s approach involves a vertically integrated system, where farmers are directly involved in all stages of the tea production process, from cultivation to sales.

• This system ensures that farmers receive a fair share of the profits, while also building their business and agricultural skills.
• The integrated system promotes transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.

The Impact on Farmers

Kumaon Tea aims to create a positive impact on the lives of farmers in the Kumaon region.

• Farmers are expected to earn five times the normal commodity rates for their tea harvest.
• They also benefit from collective ownership in the factory, providing additional income and a stake in the success of the enterprise.
• The project empowers farmers, enabling them to become entrepreneurs and contribute to the local economy.

Funding and Partnerships

Young Mountain Tea has secured funding from various sources, including grants and equity investments.

• The project has received support from USAID, Acumen, and Frontier Co-op.
• These partnerships provide financial resources, technical expertise, and market access for Kumaon Tea.

The Future of Kumaon Tea

The new tea factory is expected to begin production in mid-May, with tea sales starting in September. Kumaon Tea represents a new model for tea production, prioritizing sustainability, farmer empowerment, and ethical business practices.

• The project is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in creating a positive impact on the tea industry.
• The future of Kumaon Tea holds the potential to transform the lives of farmers and contribute to the sustainability of the tea industry.