Organic Coffee

Organic coffee can have a multitude of benefits for both the consumer and the environment.  Thanks to buzz words like "fair trade," the demand for organic coffee in the US has increased drastically in the recent years.  Although it comes at a high price, there is a large market for organic coffee thanks to its environmentally-concious consumers and "chic" quality.

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To be certified organic, coffee must follow guidelines for both the growth of the crop and the production of processing the coffee.  The coffee beans must be grown in an organic field and not be treated by any non-organic fertilizers or pesticides.  In production, to be considered organic the beans cannot receive any unnatural additives or chemicals.

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Organic coffee farming has a better effect on the environment than traditional farming, because of the way that the soil must be treated.  Since no inorganic fertilizers can be used on the farmland, organic coffee farming promotes the continuation of healthy soil and a healthy environment.  Because of the strict regulations set by the USDA, organic coffee is usually grown on a small-scale, which in turn generally produces a better crop, but usually at a significantly higher price for consumers.

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