Demystifying coffee terms

Here are a few of the terms you might hear when talking about coffee production:

Certified Organic

Organic coffee beans are grown and processed according to a rigorous set of guidelines that are monitored at each stage by an independent certifying agency, which means you will be drinking a cleaner and more ethical cup of coffee.

Organic coffee is synthetic and chemical-free, which means it is healthier to consume. Many enthusiasts believe that the taste is much better as well.

Rainforest Alliance

Rainforest Alliance certification is a comprehensive process that promotes and guarantees improvements in agriculture, forestry and travel. Their independent seal of approval ensures that goods and services are produced in compliance with strict guidelines protecting the environment, wildlife, workers and local communities.

Sustainable agriculture is at the centre of the Rainforest Alliance’s efforts to conserve ecosystems by protecting healthy soils, rivers and wildlife.

Fair Trade Certification

The Fair Trade Certified™ label is the only independent, third-party consumer guarantee that companies have complied with strict economic, social and environmental criteria. It is run by the World Fair Trade Organization.

While you can get great quality fairtrade coffee (for example, Fairtrade Brazil), quality is not the main focus. The main focus is providing a better quality of life for the producers.

Fair Trade certification ensures that producers receive fair compensation, work under safe conditions, and follow sustainable practices, while empowering communities and supporting the environment. It represents an opportunity for consumers to make an ethical and impactful choice in their coffee purchases.

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture in coffee goes beyond producing a great cup—it’s about growing coffee in ways that protect the environment, empower farmers, and ensure economic stability for future generations. It addresses the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality to create a balanced and responsible approach to coffee farming.

Here are some examples of sustainable agriculture in the coffee industry:

Shade-Grown Coffee 

Coffee plants are grown under a canopy to intermittently protect the coffee from the sun’s direct rays as shadows are created throughout the day, mimicking natural forest ecosystems. This practice supports biodiversity, reduces soil erosion, and helps regulate temperature and water cycles.

Agroforestry

Coffee plants are interspersed with various species of trees. Integrating coffee plants with other crops and trees creates a diverse, self-sustaining ecosystem. This reduces dependency on external inputs and increases farm productivity.

Organic Farming

It avoids synthetic chemicals and focuses on natural inputs like compost and biological pest control. This helps maintain soil and water health.

Waste Management

Reusing coffee pulp, husks, and wastewater for compost or bioenergy reduces waste and pollution.

Bird friendly coffee

Bird friendly coffee is a certification granted to coffee farms that meet specific environmental criteria designed to support bird habitats, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices. It is administered by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) and emphasises growing coffee in a way that protects the ecosystems essential for migratory and local bird populations.