Organic fair trade coffee does sound like a complicated commodity.
Somehow, it is.
Before it gets to the shelves of groceries and coffee shops, it has undergone a range of inspections and other globally acknowledged processes - from the cultivation of its beans to its marketing.
Fair trade-certified products mean each item has passed the strict standards set by the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO).
These standards include having fair labor practices, performing direct trade, and implementing other programs beneficial to local products, industry and people.
For coffee, in particular, being a fair trade product connotes that it is purchased directly from its local growers.
Because FLO specifically gives them the global market opportunity, no middlemen can be involved to deal with importers in the trade.
The highly valued FLO certification is given to a coffee company that provides their workers fair wages and a secure work environment.
Their workers should also be allowed freedom of association.
Aside from this, it should definitely not allow any child labor in its farms or any workplace.
Social and business development projects are also a must for every coffee producer recognized by the FLO.
They should devote a portion of their time and budget to programs that will help improve the conditions of their workers and trade.
In addition to being certified by the FLO, organic fair trade coffee products have also been confirmed to contain only beans that were organically grown.
They have the seal of approval of an independent agency that their beans were cultivated without the help of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides.
There's still an ongoing debate about whether organic coffee farming does provide healthier coffee for its consumers.
The meticulous process starting from growing coffee beans to packaging them in bags is said to be enough to neutralize the effects of farming chemicals in the beans.
Before the beans are roasted at 400 deg F at least, they've already been washed very well.
One thing's for sure, though.
The absence of chemicals in organic coffee farming offers a safer work environment for the farmers.
Additionally, coffee beans that are grown organically are mostly shade grown.
This contributes to the environmental projects of preserving the forest and animal habitat and preventing soil erosion.
These further heighten its eligibility for fair trade certification.
A complex set of things really goes into organic fair trade coffee products.
No wonder they're more expensive than your usual beans.
But if you look at the noble causes that you'll get to support if you buy this type of coffee, perhaps you might even consider that it would be worth the extra bucks.
Somehow, it is.
Before it gets to the shelves of groceries and coffee shops, it has undergone a range of inspections and other globally acknowledged processes - from the cultivation of its beans to its marketing.
Fair trade-certified products mean each item has passed the strict standards set by the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO).
These standards include having fair labor practices, performing direct trade, and implementing other programs beneficial to local products, industry and people.
For coffee, in particular, being a fair trade product connotes that it is purchased directly from its local growers.
Because FLO specifically gives them the global market opportunity, no middlemen can be involved to deal with importers in the trade.
The highly valued FLO certification is given to a coffee company that provides their workers fair wages and a secure work environment.
Their workers should also be allowed freedom of association.
Aside from this, it should definitely not allow any child labor in its farms or any workplace.
Social and business development projects are also a must for every coffee producer recognized by the FLO.
They should devote a portion of their time and budget to programs that will help improve the conditions of their workers and trade.
In addition to being certified by the FLO, organic fair trade coffee products have also been confirmed to contain only beans that were organically grown.
They have the seal of approval of an independent agency that their beans were cultivated without the help of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides.
There's still an ongoing debate about whether organic coffee farming does provide healthier coffee for its consumers.
The meticulous process starting from growing coffee beans to packaging them in bags is said to be enough to neutralize the effects of farming chemicals in the beans.
Before the beans are roasted at 400 deg F at least, they've already been washed very well.
One thing's for sure, though.
The absence of chemicals in organic coffee farming offers a safer work environment for the farmers.
Additionally, coffee beans that are grown organically are mostly shade grown.
This contributes to the environmental projects of preserving the forest and animal habitat and preventing soil erosion.
These further heighten its eligibility for fair trade certification.
A complex set of things really goes into organic fair trade coffee products.
No wonder they're more expensive than your usual beans.
But if you look at the noble causes that you'll get to support if you buy this type of coffee, perhaps you might even consider that it would be worth the extra bucks.