Socially and Ecologically Sustainable.

There are a variety of socially and ecologically sustainable certifications. The guidelines may focus on protecting the environment, ensuring fair labor practices or support both.

Fair Trade
Fair Trade primarily aims to support small farmers. Only small farmers who belong to farmer-owned coffee cooperatives are eligible for Fair Trade certification. Importers and roasters agree to develop direct, long-term trade relationships with the coops bringing greater commercial stability to an extremely volatile market. Farmers are guaranteed a minimum Fair Trade price.

Rainforest Alliance Certified
Rainforest Alliance certification guarantees the coffee was grown on a farm that meets standards verified by experienced inspectors. This label also guarantees that the beans have been shade-grown under the rainforest canopy, minimizing soil erosion and preserving the biodiversity and natural ecosystem. Workers must be paid fairly, properly equipped and given access to education and medical care. Forest, rivers, soils and wildlife are protected. The goal is true long term sustainability.

Organic
“Certified Organic” coffee is grown without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This minimizes contamination of waterways and wildlife and protects farm workers’ health by decreasing their exposure to chemicals. This is important to sustainability and is both cost effective and socially responsible.

Shade-grown
Coffee naturally grows in shade under a canopy of trees, but typically yields less. Sun cultivated techniques were introduced to increase yield, but have led to deforestation. Shade grown coffee protects bio-diversity and preserves habitats for songbirds which have become endangered due to habitat damage.

Fair Trade
Fair Trade primarily aims to support small farmers. Only small farmers who belong to farmer-owned coffee cooperatives are eligible for Fair Trade certification. Importers and roasters agree to develop direct, long-term trade relationships with the coops bringing greater commercial stability to an extremely volatile market. Farmers are guaranteed a minimum Fair Trade price.

Utz Kapeh
Utz Kapeh, Mayan for ‘good coffee’, outlines standards for socially and environmentally responsible practices, improved farm management and product traceability. Utz Kapeh is the main certifier of ethically-sourced coffee in Europe and is now becoming more readily available in the U.S.