Georgia's tea sector has a fascinating history
Tea cultivating culture spread in Georgia in the second half of the 19th century¹. At the beginning of the 20th century, tea plantations became widespread in Guria, Abkhazia, Adjara, Imereti and Samegrelo. Georgia was supplying high-quality tea to the entire Soviet Union from the 1940s onwards. During the Soviet period, tea production was one of the most developed and economically profitable sectors in Georgia. In the 1980s, Georgia ranked 5th among tea producing countries. Georgian tea was exported to France, Germany, Austria, Finland and the United Kingdom. In the 1990s, after restoring independence from the Soviet Union, the civil war and the loss of traditional markets contributed to the collapse of the Georgian tea sector. The area of tea plantations in the country was dramatically reduced. In 2016, Georgian tea production volume was just 1.800 tons, which was a 99% drop compared to the peak of 152.000 tons in 1985.
GOTPA's insights indicate how this natural relationship nurtures high-quality tea leaves. The sustainable approach fosters an ecosystem where fallen leaves enrich the soil, creating a sustainable environment requiring minimal intervention. Natural protection and shielding against spring frosts preserves the initial harvest, while guarding against hot and cold winds ensures a stable environment for tea growth. Additionally, slower vegetation development results in leaves enriched with micronutrients, elevating both flavor and nutritional content. Humus enrichment is another important factor as fallen tree leaves enrich the soil, fostering a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem for tea cultivation. And last but not least, shade trees lead to a more pleasant work environment: Lower temperatures in shaded plantations create a more comfortable climate for tea pickers, particularly during scorching summer days.
Authors
Eva Gemmel is as part of the team "International Capacity and Community Building" at Naturland. She is responsible for project management and capacity development, with a special focus on Georgia.
Mariami Mirtskhulava is as part of the Georgian project team of Naturland and is based in Tbilisi, Georgia. She is responsible for supporting the projects aims and activities in Georgia.