The term ‘organic’, in regards to coffee, means more than just (not using artificial chemicals in the cultivation and processing of) the coffee.

In reference to coffee production, the word organic also (means social responsibility, stewardship of the fragile rain forest) environment and care for the farmers who cultivate the coffee trees.

A Cupful of Chemicals

Millions of kilos of pesticides, herbicides and other agro-chemicals are sprayed on coffee plants each year. These chemicals have been determined to be hazardous to the health of the fragile jungle environment, the peasant farmers who work the land and ultimately the consumer. By contrast, our organic coffees are from family owned and run farms where agriculture focuses on building healthy soil through composting, terracing, intercropping, biological pest control, shade trees such as mango, banana, chillies and cocoa, and a system of compatible, sustainable agriculture.

Environmental Awareness - Canopy Grown

Our organic coffee farmers have not clear-cut tracts of land to create coffee plantations. Instead our organic coffee is shade grown, the way coffee grows naturally in a jungle environment shaded by the tree canopy. This method produces a rich, quality bean, yet takes longer to mature and yields a smaller harvest. Shade grown coffee production maintains native plant and wildlife, prevents water contamination, protects the world’s vital rain forests and provides a habitat for many species of migratory songbirds. Our farmers have over 30 varieties of trees providing shade.

Social Responsibility- Fair Trade

Organic farming methods protect peasant farmers, their families and communities from the hazards of exposure to synthetic pesticides and the inevitable medical costs this exposure brings. Many organic coffee growers are Fair Trade certified, meaning the growers who produced the coffee were paid a guaranteed, fair wholesale price. This means that the small peasant farmer will not be exposed to price volatility. Stable prices mean stable communities and money for paved roads, schools, health clinics, electricity and healthy living conditions for farmers and their children.

Coffee should be certified Fair Trade to guarantee their future.

Coffee does have its benefits to health too!!

• Caffeine: relieves headaches, reduces risk of asthma attacks and improves circulation
• Liver benefits: can help prevent cirrhosis and gallstones
• Blood Sugar: can work to protect against type 2 diabetes
• Anti-oxidants: protects against free-radicals.