Certification Information
Below are three certifications that you should know about.1 Each is paid for by the coffee estate or the cooperative.  A coffee estate is a single farm that handles the beans from tree to bagged green coffee on its own land.  These beans reflect the distinct characteristics of each farm’s soil, microclimate and any signature processing methods.  A cooperative is a collection of small farms that share a common facility where the beans are mixed together, processed and sold. All fair trade coffees and most organic coffees come from cooperatives.

USDA Certified Organic This certification verifies, via a third party, that no synthetic agrichemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers have been used in coffee production from seed to final packaging.  This must be done for three years prior to the first certified crop. Current crop rotations, as well as a plan to prevent soil erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients, and pest control, are included in this certification. This organic certification focuses more on quality and sustainability rather than high yields.1

100% Fair Trade Certified This certification verifies, via a third party, that a fair and above-market price has been paid directly to farmer cooperatives for the coffee, eliminating unnecessary middlemen. This focuses on small-scale farmers to ensure that they receive a livable wage. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited. This also means that the farmers minimize chemical use and avoid the most harmful pesticides in order to protect the ecosystems for future generations.2

Rainforest Alliance This certification verifies, via a third party, that farmers follow sound agricultural practices which protect the forests, rivers, soils and wildlife. This also guarantees that workers have just wages, dignified living conditions and access to education and healthcare.