Sustainability and Geo-Authenticity

 

Sustainability is a subject – and a practice – that is close to our hearts. With that in mind, we’re eager to show you (with real examples).  Here are some of the ways we work to preserve and protect via our Sustainability Practices and procedures. 

It may seem obvious, but having a plan in place that outlines our goals and sustainability outcomes makes it more likely we’ll reach them. The cornerstone of our Sustainability Practices and Procedures is a decades-long commitment to Dao Di farming principles. 

These principles translate into the actions – both on and off the farm – that you’ll learn about next.

​Healthy Seed Cultivation. The potency and biodiversity of our herbal extracts are due in large part to our partnerships in germplasm research and development.

What is germplasm, you ask? It’s the living genetic material (in this case, seeds and seedlings) maintained for the purposes of healthy plant breeding, conservation of biodiversity, and quality of genetic resources.

Geo-Authentic Farming (95% Dao Di). The majority of the "Whole Herb Exchange" brand herbs are made from herbs grown at each plant's primary geographic source of origin. This is the overarching principle of Dao Di farming and a principle that informs all of our sourcing decisions in one way or another. 

 Sustainable Sourcing (5% procured). While we would prefer to source all herbs from their Dao Di regions, herbs from some of these regions are unable to meet our stringent standards for sustainability, water and soil quality, heavy-metal content, or concentrations of active chemical constituents. 

In these cases, sources herbs directly from the farmers, rather than from the bulk herb market.

Because we only source farmer-direct, we are able to obtain certification from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) confirming the herbs come from sustainable sources.

 

5. Regenerative Harvesting. Tianjiang's harvesting methods are designed to promote the effective production and protection of herbal materials. 

These methods include:

• Collecting the plant at the optimal time in its growing period. 

• Avoid harvesting during the breeding period of plants.

• Harvesting while cultivating.

• Harvesting mature plants while maintaining growth cycles.

• Harvesting in steps, and in different seasons.

• Rotating crops to support plant regeneration.

The result is a virtuous cycle of resources. Our goal is to leave the post-harvest land in better condition than when we started planting, with nutrient-rich soil that supports, and even strengthens, the next planting.

To better understand virtuous and vicious cycles, we recommend this excellent article by Pesticide Action Network which explores the ramifications of linear versus circular approaches to farming.

 

6.Wild Harvesting. Increased demand for Chinese herbs – while an indication that more of the population is seeking natural remedies  – also adds pressure on our limited resources of wild medicinal materials.

To address this imbalance, we support the cultivation of wild herb farms and create partnerships to protect endangered and scarce species.

Furthermore, you will never find endangered species like tiger bone or rhino horn from Treasure of the East herbs.

 

7. Local Processing. Rather than transporting harvested herbs long distances for processing, Tianjiang processes many of its raw materials close to the farm.

Within just the last decade, thirteen manufacturing facilities have been built in close proximity to select farms. This allows herbs – especially those containing delicate essential oils, such as bo he – to receive peak freshness processing shortly after harvesting.

What are the benefits of local processing? Many! Local processing helps to:

• Minimize the loss of delicate active ingredients,

• Prevent the development of mold and yeast, and

• Reduce environmental pollutants.

An additional benefit of local processing is the return of nutrient-rich plant residues back into the field. This practice helps enrich the soil and support healthy growth for the next planting.

 

8. Supporting Local Farmers. The terms “social responsibility” and “economic resilience” are tossed around a good deal these days. But what do these values actually look like, for an herbal company like Tianjiang?

One example of these values in action is our process for selecting a new farm location.

Once a farm meets criteria as a Dao Di region with excellent soil, water, and climate conditions, they consider the economics of that region.

Since many of these Dao Di regions exist in remote areas with limited resources, Tianjiang selects those farms with the greatest economic need. In so doing, we introduce new jobs where previous jobs did not exist, and see impoverished areas begin to grow and thrive.

 

Want an even deeper dive into sustainable herbal farming? We encourage you to check out the Good Agricultural and Collection Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices for Botanical Materials, endorsed by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).