In our continuous endeavour to improve, we have switched to the usage of environmentally friendly pesticides and banned the use of certain chemicals to eliminate even traces of harmful residue.

On our list of banned chemicals are Dicophol, Ethlon, Tetradifon, Quinalphos and Monocotophos. The same stringent quality controls are exercised in our factories where traditional processes are being replaced by modern machinery. Online automated systems that avoid unnecessary manual handling, maintaining impeccable hygienic norms and all along preserving the inherent quality of our teas, now form the basis of our factory modernisation plans. 

Right from the withering of leaf to the fermentation and drying in temperature controlled systems to the way we sort, grade and store our teas in De-Humidified bins, the Williamson Magor stress on quality is relentless. By replacing wooden packaging with modern packaging we have increased the shelf-life of our products and reaffirmed our commitment towards a greener environment. this passion for quality has helped our gardens develop their own brand equity in the national and international markets.

Pests in tea in Assam have been the subject of considerable debate and research in the past 50 years. It is now understood that it is impossible to eradicate pests and that efforts must concentrate upon controlling them. There is a huge cost in applying chemicals and therefore the cost effectiveness of applications has to be carefully considered.

Legislation controlling the type of chemicals used has recently been imposed in many tea consuming countries. The chemicals allowed and the residue levels accepted are clearly defined. The maximum residue levels (MRLs) are frequently so strict that the chemical to which they apply cannot be used if the limit is to be adhered to. It is within this framework that Williamson Magor & Co. have set a policy to control pests.

The company policy on the pesticides for use on tea is now governed by the MRLs of the European Community Commission Directive 98/82/EC of 27 October 1998. The only chemicals used are those that are considered so safe that the MRLs are not applicable or those within which the MRLs are most unlikely to be exceeded. The company ban also includes highly water-soluble chemicals that could potentially reach the water table and cause environmental damage. Every estate has been supplied with a list of the chemicals that may be applied.

The procedures are as follows:
Packers buyers audit tea estate. Retailers audit packers, Retailers also audit tea estates. The packers then buy teas from those estates that have been accredited and have fulfilled the demands of the auditors. This is how the chain is completed.

The company has been one of the first tea producers to be accredited in this way. New initiatives are appearing all the time. Less than 20 years ago, a tiny percentage of teas was sold outside of the auction system. The London auction served as the barometer for global prices. Today it no longer exists. Change was inevitable. Change was a direct result of external pressures which recognized that new ways of selling teas, guaranteeing good practice, would be introduced. Inevitably new partnerships had to be formed. Today only those companied exercising best practice will succeed. Only those companies exercising best practice will sell their teas around the world. Technologists from leading retailers have visited company estates to scrutinize all aspects of estate management. The environment, field, factory, welfare, quality control are all included. Compliance with good practices and environmentally friendly policies are an integral part of the successful audit.