The holidays are upon us. What do you get for that hard-to-buy-for father-in-law? What if you give organic coffee for Christmas? Healthy organic coffee is good for you and something that helps you wake up on New Year’s Day after too much partying to let the New Year in. If you decide to give organic coffee for Christmas what are your best choices? If you think about this earlier next year contact us at Buy Organic Coffee and ask us to send you Panama Mountain grown organic coffee or one of the Colombian organic coffee brands. But, if you need to run out to get some organic coffee at the last minute here are three certifications to look for on the bag.
USDA Certified
USDA organic coffee is the gold standard for organic coffees.
According to the USDA, the following applies to USDA organic coffee as well as to all organic food production. “… Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled ‘organic,’ a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.”
Rainforest Alliance Certified
Rainforest Alliance certified coffee is comparable to USDA certified and more.
An alternative to organic coffee certification is for a grower to be Rainforest Alliance certified. The Rainforest Alliance is a non-governmental organization that works to conserve biodiversity. It does so for agricultural products by influencing consumers to buy what is good for the environment and good for small farmers. Rainforest Alliance certified means that the coffee that you buy was produced using good land use practices. Rainforest Alliance certified coffee is part of a broader sustainable agriculture program of tropical crops, including coffee, bananas, cocoa, oranges, cut flowers, ferns, and tea. Certified coffee farms meet a strict set of environmental standards that include preservation of the ecosystem and reduction in use of synthetic chemicals of all sorts. In addition, strict health and safety requirements are part of getting Rainforest Alliance certified.
UTZ Certified
UTZ certified coffee is like Rainforest Alliance in that UTZ not only certifies organic farming practices but also helps growers find a market for their product.
UTZ Certified stands for sustainable farming and better opportunities for farmers, their families and our planet. The UTZ program enables farmers to learn better farming methods, improve working conditions and take better care of their children and the environment. Through the UTZ-program farmers grow better crops, generate more income and create better opportunities while safeguarding the environment and securing the earth’s natural resources.
If you want to give organic coffee for Christmas next year, contact us a month in advance for direct shipment. If you are under the gun right now for a gift look for the certifications we suggest.