Back in 2021, we sat down with a group of farmers from the local co-op in Longsheng to ask them a simple but important question: What would make the biggest difference for your work?
Their answer was just as simple: “We want to be organic. But it’s too expensive.”
Organic certification in China isn’t easy. The process takes three full years, and farmers must commit to stricter practices, tighter controls, and additional labor — all while covering the audit costs themselves. For small-scale farmers in the mountains of Longsheng, that’s a heavy burden to carry alone.
So, with support from Viori’s Beautiful Reason Initiative, we began walking this path together. The co-op farmers did the hard work — adjusting their methods, keeping detailed records, facing pests and crop loss without shortcuts. We simply offered what we could: a bit of funding, encouragement, and someone to go through it all with them.
Now, three years later, we’re proud to share that the rice harvested in 2025 will officially carry organic certification. That means the already clean, mountain-grown rice these families have been cultivating for generations can now be recognized and valued for what it truly is.
This is good news not just for the farmers, but also for future visitors. Our dream is that people coming on our Longsheng travel experiences will be able to meet these farmers in person, walk through their fields, and bring home a small gift from the mountains — a bag of rice grown with care, tradition, and now, certified organic.
This accomplishment also sends a strong message to neighboring farmers: it’s possible. And with a little support, we hope more will consider making the transition, knowing they’re not alone.
To everyone who supports Viori — this is your win too. Your purchases and support help fund long-term, community-driven projects like this one. Thank you for helping make this journey possible!