Featured project
Regenerating Rwanda Earlier in this report we discussed how regenerative farming practices can address a host of pressing environmental issues. The benefits don’t stop there, however, as a special collaboration in Rwanda illustrates. Our project combines the strengths of Yogi Tea and Choice Organics, with the nonprofit Practical Action, to make a difference for smallholder tea farmers. Our partner, Sorwathe, producers of the beautiful Rukeri black tea featured in Choice Organics blends like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, is working with us to plant lemongrass alongside their tea bushes. This simple step could be revolutionary. Black tea is usually grown as a monoculture, meaning tea plantations will grow only tea bushes on their land. Diversifying crops is a regenerative agricultural practice, with potential benefits including mitigating soil runoff, enhancing water retention, and replenishing nutrients in soil. Planting lemongrass alongside tea bushes could offer significant environmental benefits on these farms. Why lemongrass? Many farms do not diversify because it is challenging to find buyers for multiple crops. We overcome this challenge by working together: With Choice Organics already buying their tea, Yogi Tea pledged to purchase the lemongrass produced by this initiative – a harmonious and delicious combination, breathing new life into fields and farmers alike.
PAGE 28 | Annual Sustainability Report
PAGE 29 | Annual Sustainability Report
