Witches Brew Eco-Social Survey for Tea Sourcing Partners

Section 1: General Information

• 1. Company/Farm Name: __________________________
• 2. Location (Country/Region): __________________________
• 3. Type of Operation (e.g., Smallholder Farm, Cooperative, Large Plantation): __________________________
• 4. Primary Tea Types Supplied (e.g., Black, Green, Herbal, Yerba Mate, etc.): __________________________
• 5. Certifications Held (e.g., USDA NOP Organic, Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, Non-GMO, etc.): __________________________

Section 2: Environmental Sustainability

The tea industry faces challenges like climate change, soil degradation, and high water use. These questions assess your environmental practices.

• 6. Climate Adaptation:
  • How do you address climate change impacts (e.g., erratic rainfall, rising temperatures) on tea production? (e.g., Drought-resistant crops, agroforestry, intercropping)
  • Do you use climate-smart agricultural practices? If yes, describe (e.g., shade-grown tea, organic fertilizers).
• 7. Soil Health:
  • Do you practice crop rotation to promote soil vitality? If yes, how often and with what crops?
  • What methods do you use to prevent soil erosion or enhance biodiversity? (e.g., Cover crops, agroforestry)
• 8. Water Management:
  • What water sources do you use for tea production? (e.g., Rainwater, rivers, wells)
  • How do you minimize water usage or manage wastewater? (e.g., Drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting)
• 9. Pest and Chemical Use:
  • Do you use organic pest control methods (e.g., beneficial insects, natural repellents)? If not, what pesticides are used, and how do you mitigate environmental impact?
  • Are your teas tested for pesticide residues to meet FDA thresholds? Provide details on testing frequency and standards.
• 10. Energy and Waste:
  • What energy sources power your operations? (e.g., Solar, grid, off-grid)
  • How do you manage waste from tea processing? (e.g., Composting, recycling, reusing tea waste)
• 11. Land Management:
  • How many acres do you manage, and are they sustainably managed to prevent deforestation or habitat loss?
  • Do you participate in reforestation or conservation programs? If yes, describe.

Section 3: Social Responsibility

Social sustainability in tea involves fair wages, safe working conditions, and community support, especially for smallholder farmers and women workers.

• 12. Labor Conditions:
  • What measures ensure fair wages for workers? (e.g., Above regional minimum wage, Fairtrade premiums)
  • Describe working conditions (e.g., Hours, safety protocols, access to healthcare).
• 13. Gender Equity:
  • What percentage of your workforce is female, and do they have equal opportunities for leadership or training?
  • Are there policies to prevent gender-based discrimination or harassment?
• 14. Community Impact:
  • Do you work directly with growers or cooperatives? If yes, describe the relationship.
  • How do you support local communities? (e.g., Education, infrastructure, health programs)
• 15. Child Labor and Worker Rights:
  • Do you have policies to prevent child labor or forced labor? Provide details on enforcement.
  • Are workers free to join unions or negotiate collectively?

Section 4: Traceability and Ethical Sourcing

Consumers demand transparency in tea supply chains. These questions ensure ethical and traceable sourcing.

• 16. Supply Chain Transparency:
  • Can you trace your tea from farm to final product? If yes, describe your traceability system (e.g., Blockchain, batch records).
  • Are you willing to provide documentation of sourcing practices upon request?
• 17. Farmer Support:
  • Do you provide training or resources to smallholder farmers for sustainable practices? (e.g., Organic farming workshops, financial support)
  • How do you ensure fair pricing for growers?
• 18. Ethical Certifications:
  • If not certified, are you working toward certifications like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or USDA Organic? If yes, what is your timeline?
  • What barriers prevent certification, if any? (e.g., Cost, lack of resources)

Section 5: Product Quality and Safety

Witches Brew ensures all final products meet FDA thresholds for toxic metals and pesticides.

• 19. Testing Standards:
  • What testing protocols do you follow for toxic metals (e.g., lead, cadmium) and pesticide residues? Provide details on frequency and labs used.
  • Can you provide test results or certificates of analysis for supplied teas?
• 20. Quality Assurance:
  • How do you ensure consistent tea quality? (e.g., Grading systems, quality control processes)
  • Do you use non-GMO or organic ingredients exclusively? If not, explain.

Section 6: Future Commitment

• 21. Sustainability Goals:
  • What are your short-term (1-2 years) and long-term (5+ years) goals for improving environmental and social sustainability?
  • Are you open to collaborating with Witches Brew on sustainability initiatives? (e.g., Pilot programs, joint training)
• 22. Feedback:
  • What challenges do you face in meeting eco-social standards, and how can Witches Brew support you?
  • Any additional information about your practices or values you’d like to share?