Coffee beans are one of the most heavily chemically treated crops, leading many consumers to opt for organic because they believe it is better for both themselves and those involved in growing and harvesting it. But choosing organic is more complicated than simply choosing its label; additional factors should also be taken into account.

Before selecting any product, check for USDA Certified Organic and Fair Trade certifications to make sure it fulfills all standards set forth by growing standards.

Fair Trade

Fair Trade Certified seals can be found on many products including coffee, chocolate, tea, sugar and bananas. Fairtrade International oversees this global certification system with stringent standards covering supply chains from producer to retailer and has as its aim supporting producers and communities through providing better trading terms, fostering sustainable livelihoods and advocating for greater equity in international trade.

Fair Trade began as an initiative of individual companies who pledged to purchase directly from farmers and market their products without intermediaries. When enough of these businesses banded together, they formed the Fair Trade Labeling Organization so they could communicate their shared values and establish international standards for Fair Trade certification.

These standards focus on fair wages, community development, sustainable farming practices and safe environmental practices while treating workers in production with dignity and respect. While many may think buying Fair Trade products is an unnecessary expenditure, buying them actually makes an excellent investment since it helps ensure farmers who grow our food and beverages receive fair wages for their work.

Farmers who produce these products often live precariously close to poverty; according to one recent report, more than half of farmers living below the poverty threshold in developing countries. Fair trade provides these families with an opportunity for sustainable livelihoods while breaking the cycle of poverty.

Fair Trade products not only offer farmers a stable income stream but also bring other significant advantages to them and their communities, including access to financial services, training and technology support, safer working conditions and zero tolerance of child and slave labor.

The Fair Trade Movement is an international network of millions of farmers and workers, trade partners, brands, retailers, shoppers, schools and government agencies who believe that justice in trade is possible. This movement has the support of key interfaith groups as well as political leaders as well as civil society organisations in both North America and Global South countries.

Organic

The USDA organic label indicates that coffee beans cultivated without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. This method of farming ensures both bean integrity and purity as well as environmental safety; organic beans also tend to taste more full-bodied due to being allowed to flourish naturally without interference from chemicals whereas conventional coffee is packed with chemicals linked with cancer, infertility and neurological disorders that have been proven detrimental.

Organic farming also encourages farmers to utilize regenerative agricultural techniques. Regenerative methods conserve soil and water resources while protecting biodiversity of natural ecosystems – something essential for both the survival of coffee plant species around the globe and human well-being.

As coffee plants are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, it’s crucial they be planted on land that has been certified organic in order to safeguard both worker health and the wildlife that inhabits it. Organically produced coffee tends to be shade-grown which conserves forest ecosystems while encouraging vigorous plant growth.

Organic farms not only benefit the environment, but they can also bring economic advantages for producers. Extra earnings generated from selling coffee at higher prices enable producers to invest in equipment and education while improving living conditions by paying employees higher wages.

Certification standards for organic coffee production are stringent, requiring all parties involved in its creation to abide by them – this includes farmers, processing cooperatives or mills, importers and roasters – in order to be certified. Furthermore, to achieve certification status the coffee must remain free from chemicals at every step in its journey to commercial sale.

Organic coffee has long been recognized for being safe for humans, though there remains some disagreement as to its taste. While experts might contend that non-organic varieties have lower quality flavors as their chemicals-laden nature inhibits plants from creating their own flavors naturally, many consumers insist organic varieties provide richer flavors.

Shade Grown

Shade grown coffee is grown under various types and heights of trees to resemble natural forest canopies, providing many advantages over conventional farming practices. It helps preserve/erosion control, carbon sequestration, natural insect control and increased pollination – as well as diversify crops which is great for sustainable farms and their families alike. Furthermore, shaded plants create habitats for many birds and insects that help control pests and improve yields by acting as shelter.

Sun-grown coffee farms typically use chemical pesticides to defend against insects and disease, which have harmful impacts on local ecosystems as well as being passed onto those harvesting and brewing the beans. By contrast, shade grown coffee has less of an environmental footprint while providing more organically produced beans to harvesters for human health benefits.

Coffee trees that grow under other plants require less fertilizer than their direct-sunlight counterparts because the soil already contains rich nutrients. Furthermore, shade tree leaves and twigs serve as natural fertilizer which is better for the environment than chemical ones; plus it reduces herbicide usage that could otherwise harm both workers and the surrounding ecosystem.

Shade-grown coffee boasts another advantage of diversity in its surroundings, featuring trees as well as fruit and nut crops. Native trees help balance nitrogen levels in the soil, and more diverse landscape can lead to an improved microclimate with more reliable weather patterns.

Shade-grown farmers can generate additional revenues by producing other crops such as bananas, oranges and firewood for sale – supplementing their income from coffee sales as a sustainable means of livelihood on many family-run farms.

As a consumer, you can support shade grown coffee by choosing brands that sell it and looking out for labels indicating its source. Look out for labels mentioning “shade grown”, “bird friendly” or “organic”. Furthermore, local roasters keep more money in the community while cutting shipping costs down significantly.

Variety

Organic coffee beans are not only better for your health, they are also better for the environment and farmers. Non-organic plants are saturated in chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and fungicides which have been linked with cancer, nervous system damage, liver disease and many other ailments – which then end up in your brew and ultimately your body – potentially leading to neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases and can even cause allergies, weakness and fatigue symptoms in some individuals.

As opposed to conventional coffee, 100% USDA organic is grown using only natural fertilizers and no chemical substances of any kind, producing a much higher-quality product rich in essential nutrients and vitamins. Organic coffee is also an excellent source of soluble fiber which may aid with digestive issues like acid reflux or GERD due to stimulating hydrochloric acid and gastrin production – two hormones which assist digestion.

When buying organic, it is essential to look for labels bearing the seal from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), as this demonstrates they have been certified organic by this body and meet specific criteria. Organic certification can take two years or more and must be renewed every year.

The USDA has set rigorous organic farming standards that require producers to cultivate their produce in an eco-friendly way and adhere to environmental regulations while refraining from using harmful chemicals on all parts of their farm, including water, soil, air and renewable resources – in this way supporting biodiversity.

Organic coffee may cost more than traditional options, but the extra investment is well worth your while. Not only is it more flavorful and healthier for you and the farmers who produce it but the more people opting for organic products will create greater demand, making switching easier for more companies. You can find organic options both at specialty grocery stores as well as online.