COVID-19 and Other Challenges: A Case Study of Certified Organic Green Tea Producers in China

Critical Sociology. 2021. Vol. 47. No. 4-5. P. 591–607.

Gerasimova K., Sheng J., Zhao J.

This article explores how the western concept of “organic agriculture” has been applied in the
traditional Chinese tea industry and how it has been tested during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using in-depth interviews and observations made during 2017–2020, we analyzed different
meanings of organic agriculture and values that were given by Chinese farmers who are certified
organic producers. Although organic agriculture, particular certified by international certification
standards, is a foreign concept, producers invested efforts that go beyond the commercial pursuit
for profit. Most importantly, the combination of the reiterated cultural meaning and health
benefits of the certified organic tea with the visionary strategy has allowed these producers to
shift in a timely manner from export to domestic markets and adapt to the pandemic’s barriers
presented to the global trade.
 

Keywords: органическое сельское хозяйство, organic fertilizers, COVID-19