Impacts of private sustainability certification on practices of tea production in Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

Private standards increasingly play a major role in creating sustainable practices in international trade relations. This paper presents the results of an impact study in tea produced for export in India and it compares a group of certified tea estates with non-certified farms. It aims to determine changes in time and differences between the two groups. The study reveals differences between certified and non-certified tea suppliers. These are partly rooted in a longer history of the certified farmers. The study shows that certified farms have a better economic performance and produce ecological and social benefits. Still their practices face some major challenges for the near future. The study also reveals that a part of the control group farms may be receptive for a move towards complying with standards set in the international market. It also discusses limitations of what private standards can achieve, especially in the area of socio-economic impact and living wages.