There are many different ways to find ethically sourced coffee beans. You can choose from Fairtrade, Direct Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or bird-friendly certification. Regardless of the certification, look for the following characteristics:
Fairtrade
Before buying ethically sourced coffee beans, you need to register with Fairtrade International. Upon registration, you must pay a fee to the organization that sells Fairtrade coffee. In addition, if you buy coffee beans from outside the United States, you must pay a minimum price to the Fairtrade organization. The minimum price for organic and natural Arabica coffee beans is 20 cents higher than the world market price. Listed below are some of the benefits of buying Fairtrade coffee.
The quality of Fairtrade coffee is more than just about price. The process is regulated by stricter import and export regulations. This ensures that coffee farmers are compensated fairly. During the coffee crisis of 2000-2005, direct transfers would have been more efficient. However, these direct transfers are unlikely to be a feature of Fairtrade. Instead, you should buy Fairtrade beans that have a higher price. Then, you can drink coffee that supports your favorite causes.
Direct trade
If you’re looking to purchase coffee beans, you’re probably wondering how to find ethically sourced ones. You might have heard about the Particle Coffee label, but what does that mean? While this label helps ensure that the beans you buy are produced legally, it doesn’t cover labor laws and wages. Another option is UTZ Certified, which covers the environmental impact of growing coffee in certain regions. UTZ stands for good in the Maya language and monitors several agricultural effects, including excessive water use and pesticides. Although UTZ Certified has been absorbed into the Rainforest Alliance, it’s still a good way to ensure that your coffee is sourced in a socially responsible manner.
Direct Trade, a growing trend, involves direct trading between roasters and farmers. Direct trade eliminates the middleman and establishes a personal relationship between roaster and farmer, allowing the farmer to take a bigger cut of the profits. The term Direct Trade isn’t legally defined, however, so companies using it may be misleading or not. Ethical practices can vary, but some roasters may use them to increase the quality of their beans.
Bird Friendly Certification
To buy coffee that supports endangered birds, consider buying coffee with a Bird-Friendly Certification. Buying this type of coffee ensures that the producer takes steps to protect local water resources and create a sustainable forest ecosystem. Bird Friendly farmers also plant native shade trees to provide migratory birds with a home. And the company must recertify its products every three years to maintain its certification. So whether you’re buying your next cup of coffee for yourself or as a gift for a friend, consider a Bird-Friendly coffee brand.
