Experimental production of white tea in the Azores raises international interest, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry revealed that the experimental production of white tea carried out by the São Miguel Agrarian Development Service (SDASM) is raising a growing international interest. In this regard, he highlighted the recent visit of four professors from Hunan University in China, who work in the tea industry, to become better acquainted with local productions.
"The promotion of this experimental product and its placement on the market demonstrate the potential of a traditional crop that still has room to grow, through innovative ways," stated João Ponte. According to him, tea is a traditional crop that, besides the economic component, raises a considerable agricultural, landscape and tourism interest.
Currently, the Azores are the only place in Europe where tea plantations can be found for industrial purposes. Currently, there are two plants in operation: Porto Formoso and Gorreana.
João Ponte pointed out that, for the first time, 60 kilos of white tea produced by SDASM were sold this year through public tender, which were mostly acquired by local and national companies.
In a context of knowledge improvement, the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry sponsored this year a visit of a senior technician to China, Clara Estrela Rego, who works in the tea industry.
Held under the "Tea Tour" field trip organised by the newly formed European Tea Producers' Association, this visit aimed at visiting various plantation and manufacturing areas of different types of tea.
As a result of this trip and the contacts established, a delegation of four Chinese university professors has recently travelled to São Miguel Island to become better acquainted with the local reality of this activity. This may lead to the establishment of a technical-scientific partnership between China and the Azores for the study and enhancement of Azorean tea.
"The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry, through SDASM, has always been available to collaborate in the search for better solutions for the evolution of a sector with so much potential, either helping the producers already established or future producers," said João Ponte. In this context, he noted that tea is a beverage enjoyed all over the world with recognised detoxifying properties and proven health benefits.