Jul 21 2011
Organic Coffee
Organic coffee is coffee that has been grown according to organic farming techniques, usually without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Many producers exclusively use the three main coffee certifications: shade grown, organic, and Fair Trade. They do this in an effort to create a more environmentally and socially responsible product as well as to market it to more affluent socially responsible consumers.

The term organic can also refer to farms, or products from them which incorporate socially responsible activities such as recycling, composting, soil health and environmental protections.
The primary producers of organic coffee are Peru, Ethiopia, and Mexico[1].
In order to be sold as organic coffee in the U.S. it must gain organic certification and meet the following requirements:
* Grown on land without synthetic pesticides or other prohibited substances for 3 years.
* A sufficient buffer exists between the organic coffee and the closest traditional crop.
* Sustainable crop rotation plan to prevent erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients, and control for pests.
Organic agriculture stimulates the environment’s natural development of disease and pest control. Because much organic coffee is shade grown, large amounts of forest may be preserved. This preservation has many additional benefits: minimizing soil erosion, preserving habitat, especially for birds, further, the leaves from the trees and bird droppings naturally fertilize the soil. Birds also control pests by eating insects that eat the leaves of coffee plants.
The Organic Coffee Market
The initial amount of capital needed to grow an organic coffee crop is less than traditional because it does not require up front purchase of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. It typically yields a smaller crop and thus the farms tend to make less money relative to the size of the farm. In 2006, 67,000 metric tons of organic coffee were sold in the world [1], while world coffee consumption, including both organic and non-organic coffee was estimated at approximately 6,900,000 metric tons in 2005.
Related Products:
- Organic Coffee – What Are You Really Drinking?
- The Organic Coffee Co. Whole Bean Coffee, Organic Sumatra, 12-Ounce Bag
- The Organic Coffee Co. Coffee, Organic French Roast, Fair Trade, 12-Ounce Bag
- Great River Organic Milling 100% Organic Bread Flour Whole Wheat, 5 Pound Bags (Pack of 4)
- Great River Organic Milling 100% Organic Bread Flour Unbleached Wheat, 5 Pound Bags (Pack of 4)
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