Modern organic agricultural movements were initiated in Sri Lanka in early 1980s with the activities of local non-government organizations and influence of foreign agricultural movements. Meanwhile some of the agriculturist who had friends outside of the country also brought these ideas to the country. There were notable business people like Mr.Denzil Soza, who took the risk of converting his tea plantation into organic, thus creating the worlds first certified organic tea plantation, and there were many traditional farmers who refrained from using chemical or synthetic fertilizers.