In order to be labeled as organic, coffee must be grown using methods that have as little impact on the environment as possible. Ideally, an organic system of production will help maintain and replenish the fertility of the soil, avoid use of toxic and unhealthy chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and help increase biological diversity. In the US, certification as organic coffee requires that farming must have been done without any prohibited substances for three years or more, that crop rotation to keep erosion down must be implemented, and that sustainable practices be used.

This results in coffee production that, unlike conventional methods, doesn’t pollute the water, is safe for workers, and produces a better coffee bean. Currently, sales of organic coffee account for about a hundred and ten million dollars, and the amount is growing. In 2008, over eighty-one million pounds of organic coffee were imported into North America. That’s about three percent of total coffee imports. The industry is growing at a rate of about thirty two percent a year – far more than the one to two percent growth of conventional coffee.

Organic coffee is currently being grown in forty different countries, located in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia and Africa, as well as in the US. The current leading producers of organic coffee are Ethiopia, Mexico, and Peru, however. You can find organic coffees on the market in nearly every form, from plain roasted beans to flavored, decaffeinated and instant coffees, organic chocolate covered coffee beans, candy, and many other coffee-related products. Coffee with the organic label can be found locally, or bought online, where even better selections are available.

In addition to the organic certification, coffee may carry a Fair Trade label (not all Fair Trade coffee is organic, but much of it is, and some basic environmental rules apply) and the Bird Friendly label, which indicates that the coffee is shade grown and promotes local biological diversity. All Bird Friendly coffee must be organic.

Organic Coffee Beans

The popularity of organic coffee is growing, but it can be very hard to find a supply in some areas. While larger urban stores are likely to have at least some organic coffee, smaller cities and towns may not have access to anything but the old standbys. If you’re unwilling to buy this lower quality, more environmentally damaging coffee, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to give in. There are places where you can find a good selection of organically produced coffees without a lot of hassle. Without question, the best choice is to look online. This is typically where you will find the best deals.

Whether you have no access to organic coffees at home, or you’d just like a better selection than you can get at your local grocery store or cafe, there are stores online to help you. They’ll sell whole or preground beans, loose or vacuum packed to preserve freshness, and you’ll get a chance to look at a truly incredible selection. Most local stores can’t afford to carry all the different kinds of organic coffee you’ll find online. However, there are a few things you’ll need to do to make sure you’re getting the coffee you want at the price you expect.

First, make certain that you’re really buying organic coffee. If you don’t see any kind of seal or other certification by a certifying body, there’s a good chance the coffee’s not really organic. You want to make sure you’re buying from someone you can trust. The good news is that most specialty stores online offer real organic coffee. The next thing to do is to check shipping and handling charges. That’ll tell you if the coffee that looks inexpensive really is as good a deal as you think it is. Beware of hidden or non obvious charges.

Once you’ve checked things out, all you need to do is pay and wait to enjoy your fresh, organic coffee. Shipping time can be remarkably fast, so you may be surprised by how quickly it arrives. Organic is the better choice, and buying online lets you get the coffee you want without compromises.