Contents
What Is Organic Food?
Organic vs. Nonorganic: Understanding the Issues
Organic Produce
Organic Grains
Organic Beans, Nuts, and Oils
Organic Dairy Products, Eggs, and Soy Products
Organic Meat
Organic Fish
Organic Processed Foods
Organic Coffee
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Organic Coffee
Organic coffee is a quickly growing segment of the organic food market.
Health Considerations
- Pesticide residues: Though nonorganic coffee is grown with the aid of chemical pesticides, a recent USDA survey found that 93% of the raw coffee beans analyzed had no detectable pesticide residues. Many coffee roasters also claim that the bean-roasting process burns off any remaining residues.
Environmental Considerations
In the past, much of the coffee sold worldwide was grown organically simply because most of the farmers growing it in the developing world could not afford expensive fertilizers and pesticides. However, since the 1990s, when the coffee industry exploded, large numbers of industrial nonorganic coffee producers have arisen to meet the new demand and have introduced many of the environmental problems associated with industrial agriculture. Though organic growers still exist and thrive, many fear that some countries are buckling under the pressure of the increased demand and weakening organic regulations.
- Fertilizers: Coffee is one of the most heavily chemically treated food commodities in the world. Synthetic petroleum-based fertilizers are commonly used in coffee production; they slowly destroy the soil’s fertility and seep into local water supplies.
Social Considerations
Since coffee is grown almost exclusively in the developing world, growers and traders must grapple with the realities of international trade. The combination of high tariffs and fluctuating commodity prices often makes it difficult for growers to receive competitive prices for their crops.
Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International is a network of fair trade–certifying groups that try to help growers receive fair prices and also offer growers business and marketing training. Fair trade–certified products feature a fair-trade label, but unless they also have an organic label, they probably come from conventionally grown coffee beans.
Recommendations
- If health issues are your main concern: Organic coffee appears to offer minimal health benefits over nonorganic coffee. All coffee, however, contains naturally occurring chemicals that are harmful in large amounts, so always consume coffee in moderation.
- If environmental issues are your main concern: Buy organic coffee as your budget allows.
- If fair-trade issues are your main concern: Cer-tified fair-trade coffee indisputably helps the lives of small growers and is often priced competitively with uncertified products. National chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts now use some certified fair-trade beans in their coffees.
Where to Buy Organic Coffee
- Local coffee shops
- Supermarkets
- Health food and natural food stores
- Food cooperatives
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