What Does Fair Trade Organic Coffee Mean?

Organic Fair Trade green coffee beans give customers insight into the production process of a particular coffee. So, let’s take each label in turn and go behind the scenes to discover what they mean.

• Fair Trade Coffee
  Fair trade coffees must meet the standards set by the particular fair trade organization that is certifying them. These organizations set similar standards aimed at helping improve the quality of life for farming communities in the developing world. They promote fair wages, safe working conditions, community development, and good environmental practices.
• Organic Coffee
  Organic Coffees are grown without the use of artificial chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides. Instead, the organic growing process relies on natural methods, renewable resources, and soil and water conservation. The result is a better use and care of the environment over time.

Coffees bearing these certifications sell for a higher price, benefitting the growers, and the communities in which they live. This accounts for the higher price that consumers pay for fair trade organic coffees.

Why Buy Fair Trade Organic Coffee?

If fair trade organic (FTO) coffee is more expensive, then why buy it? Most experts agree that any trace chemicals on non-organic coffees burn off during the roasting process, so the chemicals used in non-organic coffees don’t really affect the consumer. However, most people who buy FTO coffee have a bigger picture in mind than just their own health concerns. The coffee industry is the second largest international commodity in the world (following oil). So, the impact of conscientious practices in this industry is enormous. FTO coffees raise the quality of life for individuals and whole communities, and they also promote safe environmental practices. While FTO coffees do come at a greater cost, many consumers feel that the human rights and environmental benefits of buying FTO coffees far outweigh the costs.