Organic coffee products include decaffeinated, caffeinated, flavored and instant coffees as also chocolate covered coffee beans among other coffee products. The global sales of organic coffee is more than 70,000 metric tons. Organic seals mark coffee products fulfilling at least 95 percent organic criteria.
Such organic coffees carry labels stating 100 percent organic or simply Organic. Organic coffee is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture.
Coffee produce of organic farms requires third-party certification, verifying that organic stipulations have been abided as per law. In order for coffee to be certified and sold as organic in United States, it has to be produced in accordance with U.S. Standards. Additionally certification by an accredited agency through the U.S. Department of Agriculture is also required.
US stipulations include organic coffee production to ensure non-use of synthetic pesticides or prohibited substances for three years. Also sustainable crop rotation plan to prevent erosion, depletion of soil nutrients and control for pests is essential. Organic coffee is grown in 40 countries and leading producers are Peru, Ethiopia, and Mexico.
