At the International TeesAG, the FAO emphasizes the role of tea in inclusion, resilience and sustainable development

Rome – In a ceremony that characterized the international tea day 2025, the general director of Fao, Quadon Dongyu, emphasized that tea is much more than a drink – for millions of people around the world it is a lifeline.

“More than 60 percent of the world tea are produced by small farmers, of whom many women and young people are, and often in some of the most endangered places in the world,” said the general director. “Income from the tea sector is of crucial importance for ensuring nutritional security, the support of rural economies and strengthening resistance to shocks,” he added. Q. made the comments at the high-ranking event in the Fao headquarters under the topic “Tea for better life”.

The global value of the tea continues to grow. In 2023, the TEA industry was worth more than 50 billion US dollars and is expected to surpass 90 billion US dollars over the next five years. With this growth, greater responsibility for the promotion of sustainable practices, the protection of living and reducing inequalities in the tea value creation chain.

Despite his potential, the tea sector is opposed to a number of significant challenges from the volatile prices and limited access to finances, and inadequate technologies and air-conditioned risks. The general director called for collective measures to change the sector and exploit its full potential.

“We have to convert these challenges into opportunities. Innovation, investment and integrative guidelines are essential,” said Qu. “We have to stand up for a tea sector that is resilient, economically viable and socially responsible,” he added.

A platform for integrative growth

The event in Rome was part of a global observation led by FAO, after the decision of the 2019 UN General Assembly, which proclaimed on May 21 as an International TEAG. The occasion serves to raise awareness of the role of tea in reducing poverty, the strengthening of women and the promotion of sustainable land use in accordance with the strategic framework of FA 2022-31 and the four improvements from FAO: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life that has nobody behind.

“The international tea day is our moment to honor your hands and hearts behind every cup of tea,” said Qu, “and to confirm our commitment to a fair and sustainable tea future for future generations.”

This year's celebration has the tea-producing communities that are important by the FAO as the worldwide agricultural heritage system (Giahs) as part of the tea that recognize traditional practices that preserve agrobiodiversity and cultural identity.

The ceremony in the FAO headquarters welcomed delegations from several countries in which tea plays an important role in different levels of society and the economy. It offers traditional tea tasting and shows the deep cultural roots and the global variety of the drink.

From Rome to Osaka and beyond

The participants in the ceremony of the FAO examined a variety of tea-related traditions and innovations, including:

• Markets and trade talks about sustainability and integrative value chains;
• A tea and traditional room that shows teas from FAO members and cultural regions;
• A photo gallery that celebrates the cultural and ecological value of teal landscapes.

The international tea day was also observed at the Expo 2025 Osaka, with the events around the world of governments, producer associations and civil society.

At the center of this year's compliance is the message of #FARMEDWITHCARE – a call to recognize the art of craftsmanship, environmental responsibility and cultural importance.

While the FAO continues its work to build more efficient, integrative, resilient and sustainable agricultural systems, tea is a symbol of how innovation and tradition can work hand in hand to improve life – from cultivation to the cup.