KTDA scouts US, Georgia tea markets as farmers grapple with mixed bonus earnings

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) is expanding its efforts to improve earnings for tea farmers by exploring new international markets, specifically the United States and Georgia. KTDA representative Omweno Ombasa stated that instability in traditional markets, particularly Iran, had affected earnings and pushed the agency to seek new buyers.

Farmers, however, remain dissatisfied with their latest bonus payouts, arguing that they are still too low to cover rising production costs such as fertilizers, labor, and transport. The agency aims to diversify its export destinations and reduce reliance on traditional markets affected by geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

Despite some dissatisfaction, KTDA acknowledges that the latest earnings represent an improvement compared to the previous bonus season. However, the success of new markets depends on various factors, including auction prices, sales volumes, production costs, and the quantity of green leaf delivered to individual factories. KTDA's search for additional export destinations is part of their strategy to strengthen the tea sector and sustain the gains made in recent years.