As with most organic products, discerning the meaning of ‘organic’ can be difficult. Organic coffee beans are no exception. While the term usually refers to beans that have been produced without the use of herbicides or pesticides, ‘organic’ can also carry other meanings.

Organic coffee beans are usually shade grown. This means that the coffee tree was grown beneath a canopy of larger trees. This farming technique considers the ecological relationships that exist when coffee trees are planted with companion plants. Although shade-grown coffee has a lower yield than coffee grown in the sun, it has far less of an impact on the environment. Coffee that is grown in the sun suggests intensive farming techniques that will not be sustainable. Shade-grown coffee and organic coffee beans usually go hand-in-hand. It is likely that a farm dedicated to growing organic coffee beans will also advocate for shade-grown farming techniques.

Beyond shade-grown farming and avoiding herbicides or pesticides, organic coffee beans tend to be produced by people interested in other environmental issues. Their interest in organic farming extends to caring about the health of the soil, campaigning for recycled or minimal packaging, and supporting a reduction in the distance a coffee bean travels to get to a consumer’s kitchen. From the farmer to the retailer who sells organic coffee, those involved with organic coffee beans will also be people who place an emphasis environmental sustainability.

Organic farming isn’t just about the environment. Once a business takes an interest in all things organic, they begin to see a bigger picture. Rather than focus solely on profitability, those involved in growing organic coffee beans will be interested in the long-term impact – and success – of the venture. This means taking into account the growers and communities that depend on the crop. Fair trade coffee is about paying the producer or farmer a fair price for their crop. Although buying organic coffee beans can’t guarantee that the beans are certified fair trade coffee, the concept usually goes hand-in-hand.

Defining organic coffee beans is much more than defining a bean as free of herbicides and pesticides. The purchase of organic coffee is also buying into a movement of progressive farmers, businesses, marketers, and conscious consumers. Organic coffee beans suggest a whole other way of growing coffee and doing business.