A Note on Organic Coffee

Look for Coffee that is Shade-Grown, Organic, and Fair Trade!

There are three things I look for when purchasing a coffee. First, I want the coffee to be shade-grown. Biologists have documented many more bird species in shade-grown coffee (150 in shade-grown versus 20-50 in full-sun). (See http://www.seattleaudubon.org/shadecoffee/ for more on this issue.) That is good news for our neo-tropical migrant species that are faced with dwindling and fragmented habitats in both hemispheres.

Second, I want coffee that is organic. Organically grown coffee, or organically grown anything for that matter, is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and other chemicals. Less pesticides and chemicals used in agriculture means fewer chemicals in the soil, water, and air. Fewer chemicals used means better health for the people eating the final product AND the Earth.

The third thing I look for in coffee is that it is Fair Trade Certified. Fair Trade certification ensures that farmers are paid directly and that they get a minimum price for their coffee no matter how the market fluctuates. (See http://www.equalexchange.com/index.html for more on this issue.)

Check to see if these brands are available in your local market. If not, request that Shade-Grown, Organic, and Fair Trade coffee is available.

OCA Blend
Cafe FAIR
Cafe Altura
Cafe Mam
Peace Coffee
Cafe Ibis
Cafe Campesino