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Posted by Erika Pitera on May 15, 2008

Organic Coffee Photo courtesy of Thomas Pitera Photography

According to the Organic Trade Association, the North American organic coffee market hit $1 billion in 2007. Between the U.S. and Canada, more than 84 million pounds of organic coffee were imported from around the world.

Some estimate that organic coffee represented 3 percent of the total U.S. green coffee imports in 2007 - and judging by the popularity of organic food products, that number will surely grow in the years to come.

What's Unique About Organic Coffee?

Organic coffee is grown with materials that have the least negative environmental impact. Certified organic growers avoid unhealthy pesticides and fertilizers and ensure that the soil remains fertile.

Organic coffee hails from 40 countries around the world, including farms in Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Currently, the top producers include Peru, Ethiopia and Mexico.

What Do Organic Labels Mean?

Not all organic coffees are certified, but products carrying the USDA organic seal contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients as certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Some organic coffee products are also Fair Trade certified. In order for a product to be Fair Trade Certified (approved by TransFair USA), it must be produced according to fair labor and trade standards and prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms. 78 percent of Fair Trade Certified coffee is also certified organic.

As of June 1, 2008, certified organic farmers of Fair Trade coffee will receive at least $1.55 per pound.

To learn more about organic coffee and products, visit the Organic Trade Association.