Organic coffees are those whose growing environment and processing have been certified by one of several independent monitoring and testing agencies to be free of the presence of pesticides, herbicides, and other potentially harmful substances. Conventional methods of growing coffee often include the use of many dangerous chemicals. Chemicals such as DDT, benzene hexacholride, and malathion are commonly used in the cultivation of coffee.
Behind cotton and tobacco, coffee is the third most heavily sprayed crop on earth. It has been suggested by some in the coffee industry that because the coffee beans themselves are relatively protected from direct contact with these chemicals by a thick outer layer (the cherry), and are then roasted at high temperatures (over 400 degrees), the chances of chemical residue making it into your cup are reduced to a minimum. However, the application of chemicals to any environment invariably leads to air, water, and soil contamination, which in turn leads to the contamination of all life that depends on this soil for its nutrients. Further, the health risks posed to the people who work directly with these chemicals, and the damaging effects on their environment are devastating.
For instance, as a result of increased nitrogen fertilizer applications, contaminated drinking water is now an escalating problem in many coffee-producing regions. This, in turn, results in specific cancers, birth defects, and developmental problems for children; soil erosion, decreased fish and water life population, and numerous other long-term negative ecological impacts for all species dependent upon these bioregions.
Furthermore, artificial fertilizers are primarily made from fossil fuels such as petroleum, which carries mounting environmental costs, and illustrates the potential global impact of even small scale traditional farming techniques. Currently, the process of having a coffee farm certified organic is delegated to a review by one of a number of independent organizations. Representatives from these organizations will visit the farm directly, work with the farmers when necessary to help educate them in natural growing methods and techniques in order to bring them up to standards, as well as conduct routine inspections to assure adherence to the overall international organic standard.
Unfortunately, this can be a costly and extensive process. Many farmers who already practice organic methods due to the high cost of expensive chemicals, and/or a thoughtful dedication to the health of the environment and those who work and live within it, simply cannot afford to become certified. By choosing to buy only certified Organic or other sustainably grown coffees we can increase the likelihood that these programs continue to grow, therefore becoming more accessible and affordable for coffee farmers the world over.
For more information about organic coffee and where we get are coffee and espresso, please visit: www.wanderdinggoat.com.