Written question asked by Liz Twist (Labour) on Friday, 5 January 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 January 2024 (named day). It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 January 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tea: Production

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with reference to the UK's commitment to Sustainable Development Goals 8, 8.7 and 15, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the (a) working conditions and (b) incomes of smallholder tea producers; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of prices for green leaf sales on the incomes of smallholder tea producers.

Answer

The UK improves the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across agrifood sectors through our multilateral and bilateral programmes, including regular global donor coordination.

Our work with Wood Foundation Africa increases Rwandan smallholder tea production, creating jobs and increasing incomes. Our "Work opportunities for Women" programme enables Kenyan women tea smallholders to apply more climate-adaptive techniques. In Malawi, UK's CASA programme enabled  tea out-growers and their associations to better exercise their rights with large tea estates.

The International Development White Paper restates our commitment to accelerating progress towards all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It includes UK support to tackling modern slavery by promoting raised standards overseas.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 8096
Session: 2023-24
Related items: Tea: Production
Thursday, 25 January 2024
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Conditions of employment International cooperation Personal income Prices Production Sustainable development Tea
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Tea: Production

Secondary information

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