Most people take little thought into how their coffee is produced, yet many appreciate knowing their cup contains organically grown beans. Unfortunately, however, not all coffee that bears the USDA organic seal is truly organic; there may be differences in production practices such as growth of beans to how it’s roasted before reaching our cups.

Organic coffee beans are produced without using synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers – chemicals commonly found on conventionally grown coffee plants that leave behind residue that pollutes bodies of water and adversely impacts our environment. Organic farming practices help decrease chemical pollution while simultaneously encouraging biodiversity – this helps ensure a sustainable ecosystem for wildlife alike.

Organic coffee that is shade-grown also contributes to local ecosystems by keeping soil fertile and erosion at a minimum, and birds often forage and feed under trees where coffee grows, helping keep insect populations under control.

Organic coffee is typically irrigated using rainwater or natural sources as any chemical irrigators would negatively impact water quality and negatively affect its quality of use. Instead, organic farmers utilize naturally sourced compost and materials such as wood chips to nourish their crops.

Organic coffee must be processed and roasted according to standards that uphold its organic certification, including not using additives not approved by the USDA and adhering to stringent handling and packaging standards. When looking at certified organic products, make sure they include both the USDA organic label as well as any relevant certifications specific to each item being considered for purchase.

Although the differences may seem minor, they can actually have an enormous effect on our planet and local communities. If you’re one of many discerning coffee drinkers out there who chooses organic products instead of non-organic, take pride knowing you are supporting sustainable agricultural and food production practices! It will definitely pay off over time as organic farming benefits the environment, your health, the people who grow and roast it as well as taste much better too!