Climate Crisis Threatens Tea Farms: What the FAO Warns for 2050 and Beyond

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has raised serious concerns about the future of tea growing around the world. According to Ayşegül Selışık, the FAO’s assistant representative in Türkiye, climate change could reduce the areas suitable for tea cultivation by up to 55% by 2050, particularly affecting regions like East Africa.

Tea isn’t just a drink; it has deep historical, cultural, and economic significance. In recognition of this, the United Nations declared May 21 as International Tea Day in 2019. Between 2012 and 2022, global tea consumption grew by 3.3% annually, reaching 6.5 million tons, with China leading the pack at 3 million tons, nearly half of the total consumption.

India ranks second with around 1.16 million tons, while Türkiye, Pakistan, and Russia also contribute significantly to global tea consumption. Interestingly, Türkiye has the highest per capita tea consumption, averaging 3.16 kilograms per person annually, according to Statista.

Tea cultivation is vital for over 13 million people worldwide, especially smallholder farmers. However, tea needs specific climate conditions to thrive, primarily found in Asia. Alongside China and India, key producers include Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Türkiye.

Selışık emphasizes that tea is sensitive to climate changes. Optimal growing conditions include:

• Average annual temperatures above 14°C (57°F)
• Over 2,000 mm of rain each year
• Sustained humidity levels of at least 70%

Recent FAO data indicates a slight increase in global tea cultivation areas—around 8% over five years. Despite this, climate change remains the biggest challenge for tea farmers. Projections suggest that areas suitable for tea could shrink significantly, especially in regions like Northeast India, which produces 17% of the world’s tea.

In China, traditional teas are already facing quality changes due to lower humidity and extreme weather. By the early 20th century, climate issues had already led to a significant decline in crops. Without drastic changes, yields could drop by 10-25% due to drought.

Moreover, tea production generates vast amounts of waste. China produces over 5 million tons of tea waste annually, which can be repurposed into compost or even natural skincare products. However, the environmental impact remains high due to repeated use of the same land and chemicals, leading to soil degradation.

To combat these challenges, Selışık stresses the importance of sustainable practices. Reducing harmful agricultural methods and embracing diverse farming can help preserve soil health and ensure the future of tea production.

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