Coffee

The rise in popularity of organic coffee over the past decade or so is the direct result of consumers becoming more and more aware and conscientious about what products and produce they are buying. Because companies must detail production methods on their product’s packaging, consumers are able to easily make informed decisions about the products they purchase. Even more than that, consumers are generally becoming more educated about the international coffee manufacturing industry and the chemical processing that goes into the coffee they buy. Coffee, if you don’t already know, is one of the most chemically processed products in the world.

What is certified organic coffee?

The term organic refers to the way a coffee is grown, harvested and produced. It refers to the conditions of the coffee plantation or farm and the conditions under which it is processed. Only coffees grown under the strictest of organic farming guidelines may publicly label their product organic and certified organic.

Organic farming methods avoid any chemical or synthetic processing of the coffee. Organic farmers base their methods on the philosophy of processing coffee as naturally as possible, creating a healthier coffee alternative and keeping the environment as healthy as possible, too. Organic coffee farms never use chemicals as fertilizers or pesticides. Moreover, they do not use chemical flavorings or additives.

Organic farms are always built in line with principles of sustainable agricultural practice and always place importance on the health and quality of their soil. It almost goes without saying that healthy soil produces a healthy crop. And by extension then, that healthy coffee crops means healthier coffee.

These days, everyone knows well enough that chemically processed coffee is adverse to their health. Consumers also know that there are excellent organic alternatives.

Organic shade farming

Coffee is traditionally and naturally grown in the shade. This method is called ?shade coffee farming.? To this day, shade farming produced the best coffee. But large manufacturers have taken to producing coffee quickly and in full sun to meet the demands of the market.

But coffee that is grown in full sun suffers a number of adverse effects, such as from bird and insect pests. This pestilence means that large-scale coffee farmers must use pesticides to protect their crop and this, of course, results in negative effects on a coffee bean’s taste and aroma.

Only organic coffee is grown in natural conditions. The gourmet varieties of Mocha, Java and Kona are grown organically.

Coffee wholesalers who sell organic

When it comes to certified organic produce it is often best to try your local coffee retailer or coffee shop. These are small companies who love their coffee and will most likely be purchasing the very best, organically produced coffee. Next, try online stores that specialize in organic coffee. A simple search on the Internet will bring up many coffee wholesalers and retailers committed to certified organic coffee beans and blends.

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Author: Samantha Evans
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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You might have heard this buzz phrase while sipping a mocha latte certified organic coffee but what exactly does that mean? And what’s the difference between organic coffee and organic fair trade coffee? Understanding the basics behind the buzz can help you make an informed decision when you buy your next bag of coffee beans.

Organic Coffee Versus Conventional Coffee

What’s the difference between regular coffee and organic coffee? Organic coffee plantations focus on using practices that protect both the environment and the workers who grow, harvest, roast and pack the coffee.

Conventional Coffee Plantations

Conventional coffee plantations use several practices that are not good for either the environment or the workers. Many of the fertilizers and pesticides used by conventional coffee growers have been shown to leach into groundwater supplies, streams and rivers killing off wildlife, causing plants to overgrow and overtake lakes and rivers, and polluting the drinking water supplies used by the locals.

Traditional farming methods involve clearing forest (sometimes rainforests), resulting in lost topsoil and lost forest area. With the lost forest comes displaced birds and wildlife that no longer have places to live, threatening endangered species. Many of the coffee growers still use antiquated chemicals such as DDT. These chemicals endanger the workers, who are exposed to cancer-causing agents as they work with these dangerous chemicals.

Organic Coffee Plantations

Plantations that use organic farming methods refuse to use dangerous chemicals or fertilizers to protect or enhance their crops. They also focus on growing coffee in the shade even though this process takes longer and is more difficult. When you read a label that lists “organic shade grown coffee,” you’re holding a package of coffee that has been grown the way coffee was intended to be grown in the shade of higher vegetation or trees, without the use of chemicals.

Shade-grown coffee is richer in flavor, but it takes longer to grow and is more costly to produce. Shade-grown coffee is also called “bird-friendly” coffee because it protects the habitat needed by many birds. All of these practices protect the workers (who labor to provide for their families) and the environment.

Fair Trade Coffee

Fair trade coffee regulations were created in order to protect human rights for plantation workers. On many conventional coffee plantations, the workers are paid very little and work long hours.

Under the fair trade regulations, coffee farmers are paid a fair trade premium so they will have enough capital to invest in health care, education, fair worker wage and community infrastructure. As a reward for adopting safe and environmentally friendly farming practices, these farmers are given resources such as improved equipment and training so they can compete with the current market. If these farmers also decide to use organic practices, they receive an additional financial incentive. This benefits the workers, the community and society as a whole.

How do you know if the Coffee is Truly Fair Trade Coffee?

Look for the certification from Transfair, an organization which oversees the certification of fair trade coffee around the world. Go to www.transfairusa.org for more information on which coffee plantations and producers are certified as fair trade coffee producers.

The Best of Both Worlds: Organic Fair Trade Coffee

The purposes of both these business models are the same: to help promote a way of conducting business that supports a sustainable society. Organic coffee production protects the environment and the health of the coffee workers, and fair trade regulations protects the rights of the workers so they are ensured fair pay and decent working conditions.

Why Pay Extra for Organic Fair Trade Coffee?

Unfortunately, organic fair trade coffee is more expensive than the competition. This is because these practices although best for the people and environment are more costly than the conventional options.

For more information on coffee, visit the food section of Life123.com.

Author: Rachel Mork
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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