Not just in South Carolina and Washington, tea is an upcoming crop in Hawaii too. For those interested I commend these sites:
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- summary of USDA supported development
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- now with around 100 members growing or enthusiastic about growing tea - from backyards to several acres
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- first tea in the ground in 2007 and plans for 200 acres (I am consultant to this development)Marketing tea made with labor at 12 dollars an hour is an act of faith when competing with labor at one dollar a day - also a challenge!
Nigel at Teacraft