Organic Coffee

Organic coffee is coffee grown without the aid of artificial chemical substances, such as certain additives or some pesticides and herbicides - thereby ensuring the health of the soil, the forest, and the farmers. Many factors are considered when coffee undergoes organic certification, which encompasses practices within development, production, and manufacturing. To be sold as organic is the United States, imported coffee must gain organic certification. Among other standards, this includes meeting the following standards:

✩ The coffee is grown on land that wasn't exposed to synthetic pesticides or other prohibited substances for 3 years prior.

✩ A sufficient buffer exists between the organic coffee and the closest conventional crop.

✩ A sustainable crop rotation plan is in place to prevent erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients, and to naturally control for pests.

Organic agriculture can strengthen the natural environment's resistance to disease. For example, coffee of this standard is generally shade-grown, a quality that promotes forest preservation. Other benefits of this process include the minimization of soil erosion and participation in a healthy ecosystem. Bird populations develop mutually beneficial relationships with coffee fields, enjoying the habitat while keeping insect populations under control and naturally fertilizing the soil.

Fair Trade

"Fair trade is a global movement made up of a diverse network of producers, companies, shoppers, advocates, and organizations putting people and planet first. We at Fair Trade USA believe that everyone wants to do what’s right – for their families, fellow global citizens, and the planet. That’s why we’re committed to making the right choices the most obvious ones. Based on the simple idea that the products we buy and sell are connected to the livelihoods of others, fair trade is a way to make a conscious choice for a better world. A choice for Fair Trade Certified™ goods is a choice to support responsible companies, empower farmers, workers, and fishermen, and protect the environment. In other words, it’s a world-changing way of doing business."

Impacts of Fair Trade:

✩ Income Sustainability: Ensures that the farmers, workers, and fishermen have the money needed to invest in their lives and their work.

✩ Empowerment: Giving farmers, workers, and fishermen a voice in the workplace and the community.

✩ Individual & Community Well-Being: A model that is fueled by committees of farmers, workers, and fishermen who decide how to invest their Fair Trade Community

✩ Development Funds: based on their community's greatest needs - often clean water, education, and health care.

✩ Environmental Stewardship: Fair trade standards work to keep the planet healthy for generations to come by prohibiting the most harmful chemicals and taking measures to protect natural resources.

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2018 Wicked Joe Fair Trade Impact Report