Sustainability vs. Survival: Kenya Rethinks Tea Certification Model

Kenya has directed its tea factories to cease working with the Rainforest Alliance, citing the high cost of certification as an added burden for struggling smallholder farmers. While the organization’s green frog seal symbolizes ethical sourcing, officials argue it hasn’t delivered impact proportional to its costs, with a recent report determining that only one in five tea workers earns enough to provide their family’s basic needs. The government argues that the cost of certification, about $3,000 annually per factory, should be borne by consumers, not farmers. Though Western consumers prefer certified tea, few are willing to pay a premium—unlike with coffee. As an alternative, Kenya is considering a local certification model with lower compliance costs. Despite this development, talks are ongoing between Nairobi and the Rainforest Alliance to find a solution.

The Guardian