EPK Hosts 13th Bi-Annual Farmers Day, Training Over 1,000 Farmers on Quality and Sustainable Tea Production
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Nandi, June 27, 2025 — Over 1,000 smallholder farmers gathered at Kipsitoi Tea Primary School in Sitoi Estate today as Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK) held its 13th Bi-Annual Farmers Field Day, delivering practical training on sustainable tea production, climate resilience, and modern agricultural technology.
Under the theme “Cultivating Quality Tea through Sustainable Community Partnerships,” the event brought together farmers, agribusiness experts, financial institutions, government agencies, and exhibitors to share best practices in tea husbandry. Training focused on field preparation, pest control, pruning, plucking, record-keeping, and adaptation to climate change.
EPK Company Director Leah Kibii Chirchir urged farmers to adopt innovative farming techniques and diversify into coffee, dairy, vegetables, and bananas to reduce reliance on tea and strengthen food security. “The future of Kenyan tea lies in diversification, value addition, and quality production,” she said.
Farmers were also encouraged to embrace practices that align with export standards and environmental sustainability.
EPK recognized 42 top-performing farmers for excellence in crop husbandry and conservation, awarding them tools and farm inputs including chain link, barbed wire, and wheelbarrows.
Noel Lindsay-Smith, EPK Operations Director, joined Kenya Tea Growers Association CEO Lindah Oluoch and other stakeholders in affirming the importance of empowering smallholders to sustain Kenya’s position as a global tea leader.
The forum reinforced EPK’s commitment to equipping farmers with skills, technologies, and market insights to enhance resilience and value chain competitiveness.
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