Where Our Matcha Comes From
We buy directly from certified organic farms in Japan. Here is what that means in practice and what JAS certification actually requires.
No brokers. No blending. One origin.
We buy directly from the farms. There is no broker in the middle and no blending with lower-grade material from elsewhere. What you receive is single-origin matcha from a specific growing region, processed to order.
Our matcha carries the JAS organic seal, issued by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. That seal is not decorative. It means the farm has been independently inspected, its records audited, and its growing practices verified to meet Japan's organic standard before a single bag leaves the farm.
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What JAS certification requires
What JAS Certification Covers
JAS Organic is administered by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. To carry the seal, a farm must demonstrate at least three years of cultivation without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, must not use genetically modified organisms, and must maintain documented records of every stage of production. A registered third-party body inspects the farm and reviews those records before certification is granted.
Annual Inspections, Not a One-Time Badge
JAS certification is not permanent. Farms and processors are subject to ongoing audits and regular on-site inspections by the certifying body. If standards drop, the certification lapses. Our matcha carries the seal because it earns it each year, not just once.
Why certification matters
Anyone can label a product 'premium' or 'Japanese inspired'. Certification means something different.
You know what is not in it
JAS certification requires no synthetic pesticides and no synthetic fertilisers on the farmland for at least three years before harvest. That requirement is documented, inspected, and independently verified, not just claimed on a label.
You know where it comes from
Our matcha comes from specific, named farms in Japan rather than a pooled or blended supply. When a product lists a region or a farm, you can ask questions and get real answers. When it does not, you cannot. Third-party certification adds a further layer: an independent body has verified the origin claim, not just the seller.
Not all matcha carries this seal
Organic JAS certification covers a small fraction of Japan's farmland. The process takes time, costs money, and requires ongoing compliance. Many matcha products sold in New Zealand carry no certification at all. We chose to work only with farms that hold it.
Questions about our sourcing and certification
Have a question that is not answered here? Email info@matchasamurai.com and we will get back to you.
JAS stands for Japan Agricultural Standards. The organic JAS certification is administered by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and requires no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers for at least three years before certification, no GMO use, and full production documentation verified by a registered third-party inspection body.
The majority of our matcha is JAS certified organic, with one exception: our All-Purpose Ceremonial Grade. It's a flavourful, do-it-all option that simply isn't certified organic. For those who prioritize organic certification, our remaining grades provide it. Every product page clearly indicates its JAS certification status.
Stone-ground matcha is processed using granite millstones that rotate slowly, preserving the aroma and flavour compounds in the leaf. Bead-milling uses high-speed industrial equipment — faster and cheaper. Our organic range is stone-ground.
Organic farming requires more time and labour than conventional growing. JAS certification involves inspection fees and ongoing compliance costs. The farms we work with are smaller operations with lower output volumes. The price reflects verified, traceable quality rather than a marketing claim.
