Regenerative Agriculture: Philosophy-Driven Farming

At TEA TEA TEA, we are proud to exclusively offer teas grown in Japan using an agricultural philosophy known as regenerative agriculture. This philosophy centers around cultivating crops in a way that benefits both the earth and our bodies, restoring health to the soil and surrounding ecosystems.

Regenerative agriculture doesn't follow a rigid set of rules. Instead, it’s guided by the principle of leaving the land better than we found it. The farmers we collaborate with don’t use any synthetic inputs, placing their full trust in the natural strength and balance of the environment. Allowing nature to take the lead, they focus on observing and listening, rather than trying to take control of nature. They understand that farming isn’t just about yield or profit, it’s about participating in an ecosystem and honoring the role we play within it. 

Unlike conventional agriculture, which has been shown to degrade soil to barren dirt by stripping it of carbon and nutrients, regenerative agriculture works to replenish and revitalize the soil. Healthier, less compacted soil, allows beneficial microorganisms to be reintroduced, drastically improves water retention, and supports deeper root systems. This helps the plants become more resilient to erosion, droughts, and other environmental stresses. Although much of this process happens underground and out of sight, a single teaspoon of healthy soil can contain more microorganisms than there are humans on Earth. Without a thriving underground ecosystem, it is impossible to sustain vibrant life above ground. 

This method of farming is time-intensive and low-yield, typically taking 4-5 years just to restore the soil and representing only about 0.01% of Japan’s total tea production. However this is not a new trend, it’s a return to the traditional farming methods our ancestors once relied upon, long before industrial, monoculture farming became widespread.

KEY PRINCIPLES:
1. No tillage: Avoiding plowing or disturbing the soil to maintain its structure and health
2. No synthetic inputs: Relying solely on natural processes and organic matter to nourish  crops
3. Biodiversity: Planting a variety of crops together to enhance ecosystem stability/ resilience
4. Minimal intervention: Fostering a self-sustaining system with minimal human interference.

BENEFITS:

• No synthetic inputs
• Reduced environmental impact
• Increased biodiversity in the ecosystem
• Enhanced soil fertility and structure
• Deeper root systems
• Higher nutritional quality 
• Longer shelf-life
• Reduced labor inputs and operational costs

We feel grateful to work alongside farmers who are committed to this practice, and are indebted to their dedication. Our hope is that regeneratively grown tea not only tastes delicious, but also helps us reconnect with what we eat and drink in a more thoughtful way. We truly believe that through Japanese tea, we can all make a non-negligible impact on ourselves and our planet.