Organic coffee, like any organic food, is grown without the use of any chemicals or growth hormones. In order to be sold as organic the farm in question must meet the criteria of Organic Certification. For the United States, that requirement states that farms:

1) Avoid most synthetic chemical inputs (e.g. fertilizer, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, etc), genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and the use of sewage sludge.

2) Keep detailed written production and sales records.

3) Maintain strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products.

4) Undergo periodic on-site inspections.

Having been grown organically lends the coffee many benefits to the environment, the farmer and the consumer.

The environment benefits from organic coffee because it is usually shade grown. Being grown in this manner protects native wildlife and preserves forests that may have been clear cut to accommodate more modern growing techniques. Soil is also spared from the inundation of chemicals that comes with conventional coffee growing methods. Using these chemicals on even a small swatch of land can negatively impact a much larger area for several years.

Farmers often choose to grow organic foods because of the advantages these crops offer them and their customers. Beyond simply being able to ask a premium price for their crop, organic farmers save money on expensive chemicals and are able to spare their land from the effects of these chemicals. Farmers also prefer to go organic because they can often grow a smaller crop and not be forced to overly strain their resources to meet sales figures. Still, other farmers choose to grow organic simply to run their business and grow their crop in a way that is more in-line with their personal philosophies.

The advantages for the consumer are perhaps of the highest significance and the most responsible for escalating organic coffee sales figures. By consuming food that was grown organically consumers are able to avoid the chemicals that are used to cultivate most other fruits and vegetables. With afflictions such as Cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease and birth defects being linked to these chemicals, avoiding them is certainly recommended. Beyond the long term health benefits, there are the immediate advantages of organic coffee. Enhanced taste and aroma are among the more tangible advantages organic coffee offers consumers.

With so many benefits and a minimal of drawbacks it is no wonder organic food in general and organic coffee in particular is seeing such impressive sales and enthusiasm in the marketplace.

This article was written by Jefferson Spooner on behalf of Larry’s Beans. He recommends you try Larry’s Beans coffee if you are interested in organic coffee and/or fair trade coffee.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/what-is-organic-coffee-and-why-is-it-preferable-to-nonorganic-coffee-1366931.html