Kenyan Tea factories have been directed to immediately reject green leaf that does not meet the recommended 'two leaves and a bud' standard, in a move that could force farmers to change their plucking practices.

The quality requirement is expected to put greater pressure on farmers and factory management to enforce standards at the point where green leaf is delivered for processing.

Mixing poor-quality leaf with properly plucked produce can affect the value of tea produced from an entire consignment, meaning farmers who observe the recommended standards may also suffer lower returns.

The quality drive is linked to efforts to secure better prices for Kenyan tea in international markets, particularly by increasing production of orthodox and specialty teas alongside the country's traditional bulk exports.

Kenya's tea industry has for years faced concerns over its reliance on bulk exports, and is now seeking to increase value addition and expand the number of markets buying Kenyan tea.

Source Kenyans.com (Extracts), Courtesy Tea Exporters' Association Sri Lanka