• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

By Root 274 0

of forests to plant coffee trees. According to the World Wildlife Federation, of the fifty countries in the world with the highest deforestation rates (loss of forests) from 1990 to 1995, thirty-seven were coffee producers. Some coffee growers in Costa Rica, Colombia, and other countries are moving toward full-sun plantations instead of the traditional shade-grown production. This requires more pesticides, contributes more to deforestation, and reduces biodiversity. Shade-grown coffee is vital because so many bird and bat species seek shelter in the trees. When the trees are gone, the animals’ habitat is destroyed.

The best coffee option is shade-grown, fair-trade, organic coffee. Buying fair-trade coffee ensures that fair prices are paid to the growers and money is given back to the community. Transfair USA certifies more than 500,000 small farmers in Latin America, and licenses importers and roasters in the United States. With coffee prices at a historic low, it’s important that these farmers receive a fair price for their crop, so look for the Transfair certified label.

Sustainable coffee has recently become more available. This designation is for farmers who avoid the use of pesticides and fertilizers and participate in responsible environmental practices in the growing and processing of their coffees. This requires a voluntary commitment by the grower and does not involve regulation or certification. The designation of “sustainable” also applies to coffee growers who have always farmed without chemicals but can’t afford the certification process for an organic label.

defining “organic”

We’ve discussed organic produce and animal products. But what does the term “organic” really mean? The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) created the following definition of organic at its meeting in April 1995.

“Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony. ‘Organic’ is a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole. Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil, and water. Organic food handlers, processors, and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals, and people.”

The above definition gives the consumer the knowledge and understanding necessary to make choices in purchasing organic goods. In 1990 the U.S. Department of Agriculture established the Organic Foods Production Act, whose purpose was to:

1. “Establish national standards governing the marketing of certain agricultural products as organically produced products.”

2. “Assure consumers that organically produced products meet a consistent standard.”

3. “Facilitate interstate commerce in fresh and processed food that is organically produced.”

decoding the label

When I go to the grocery store or farmers’ market, I am oft en confused by the information provided on the labels, especially when it comes to packaged food. The labels on organic food packaging include the following: 100 percent organic, organic or certified organic, made with organic ingredients, contains some organic ingredients, natural, and all-natural. Trying to interpret labels can be frustrating when you are changing your buying habits and want to put the healthiest food available on the table. Although some organizations and organic advocates view the organic labeling system as antiquated, it remains