Officials from the Provincial Organic Agriculture Association guide villagers on tea cultivation practices following PGS standards
With its awe-inspiring landscapes and favorable climatic and soil conditions, Na Hang is well-positioned to develop its specialty Shan Tuyet tea. In November 2024, the Provincial Organic Agriculture Association successfully established an organic tea production model following PGS standards (Participatory Guarantee System, ensuring compliance with organic farming regulations) in two villages, Phia Chang and Na Con, in Son Phu Commune, covering nearly 15 hectares.
Hong Thai Commune, often called the "Sa Pa in Tuyen Quang," is known for its misty landscapes and 65 hectares of Shan Tuyet tea plantations. Among them, 30 hectares consist of ancient tea trees, while 35 hectares are over 25 years old. These plantations are managed by the Son Tra Cooperative in partnership with local farmers to ensure proper tendering and harvesting. In 2022, Hong Thai Shan Tuyet Tea was recognized among the Top 50 Most Famous Brands in the Asia-Pacific Region and received the Silver Cup for Organic Products for Community Health. Farmers in the commune have committed to avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Thanks to the region’s high-altitude terrain and strong local efforts to preserve traditional tea cultivation, thousands of century-old tea trees continue to thrive. These trees have thick trunks, plump buds, and leaves covered in fine, silvery-white fuzz. By following organic farming methods, these tea trees not only yield better harvests and live longer but also create opportunities for tourism development.
Hong Thai Shan Tuyet Tea was recognized the Silver Cup for Organic Products for Community Health.
Due to its unique climatic conditions, Hong Thai Shan Tuyet Tea exhibits a slightly silver-grayish black appearance. When brewed, it produces a bright green infusion with a mild astringency and a lingering sweet aftertaste. This specialty tea has been selected multiple times as a diplomatic gift for national leaders. In November 2024, the one-bud-one-leaf Hong Thai Shan Tuyet Tea was nominated as a potential 5-star OCOP product, with documentation currently being finalized for evaluation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Despite the substantial cultivation area, Shan Tuyet tea production remains low, with inconsistent quality concentrated in remote communes such as Sinh Long, Khau Tinh, Thuong Giap, and Thuong Nong. The challenges stem from improper pruning, tendering, and harvesting techniques, as well as the difficult terrain that limits full utilization. Furthermore, unstable purchasing agreements between companies, cooperatives, and farmers have led to uncertainty in investment and maintenance efforts.
By expanding organic farming practices and strengthening connections between producers and buyers, Na Hang's Shan Tuyet tea is poised to enhance its value and reach potential markets.
Nguyen Thanh Hieu
