By definition, to be certified USDA Organic, you must adhere to the following:

Avoidance of most synthetic chemical inputs (e.g. fertilizer, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, etc), genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and the use of sewage sludge. At Tetulia, we go far beyond Organic: We follow the Masanobu Fukuoka “Do Nothing” farming method. The Fukuoka Method ensures that the land is empowered to constantly enrich itself – relying on rain water alone for irrigation, organically-grown native trees and ground cover for shade, organically-grown herbs and plant extracts for pest control, organic fertilizer from organically-raised cattle and virtually no tilling, weeding, etc.

Farmland must be free of residual chemicals, often for three or more years.Before planting our first Camellia Sinensis in the year 2000, the land had lain fallow. As you can see, now it is rich with organic tea, fruits and vegetables, and other plants, foods, and herbs to sustain our garden and people.

Detailed production and sales records. Our records are so precise that we are able to trace back to the person who picked the tea that you enjoy at home. By recording all schedules and activities, this allows us to further develop our cooperative and reach out to our employees and surrounding villages.

Strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products. From planting the Camellia Sinensis to developing our packaging, we never sacrifice the delicate organic nature of our tea. We strive to be “More than organic” so that you may enjoy the benefits of our work, and also contribute to sustaining our precious environment.