Fairtrade This scheme ensures premiums are paid to the growing community. A minimal price established by Fairtrade is paid to ensure stability, Apart from a Fairtrade Premium paid as a community development fund. This scheme More exactly addresses community welfare and price stability, but not quality or environmental concerns. Organic Organic means the coffee was produced without the use of any synthetic pesticides or fertilisers.
It has nothing to do with quality or fair prices for farmers. Many smaller specialty farms use organic practices, yet do not actually become certified, as the certification can be very costly.
Rainforest Alliance Rainforest Alliance certification is inclusive of all three areas environmental, social and economic criteria - biodiversity, social and economic responsibility and sustainable production methods. It is more comprehensive but has less stringent standards than Fairtrade.
Direct Trade Not an officially recognized certification, but widely adopted approach by many of the specialty roasters. Typically means the roaster purchasing directly from the farmer, removing middlemen and paying well above market prices. Direct trades tend to emphasize long-term relationship building with visits to the farms that supplied the coffees. This model is generally best for producer interests and quality.
What to look for The most important signals of sustainable, ethical coffee are: direct trade relationships, transparent payment practices, named farms or co-operatives, and roasters who publish information about their sourcing. If a bag lists a farmer's name, altitude, and processing method then this is usually more ethical than one with just a certification mark.
Dive into the world of sustainably grown coffees at Global Coffee Haven