Last week at Cafe Britt I did a little shopping and I bought a bag of one of their blends and a bag of their organic coffee and it got me to thinking what is the difference in what I am paying for. I've done a bit of research and found that it basically (most simplistic) comes down to pesticide and fertilizer use.
Organic-grown coffee does not have artificial, toxic pesticides used to cultivate the bean. If the organic label is accurate, this means these pesticides don't even come close to it. Any pesticide used will be a natural pesticide, such as special soil, companion planting (planting different crops in close physical proximity on the theory that they will help each other), or even fungus-based pesticides. This makes sure that the consumer's health is better protected, as well as the environment. Cutting out these harmful pesticides also keeps them from being absorbed by the coffee bean, which in turn keeps the consumer from injesting trace amounts of pesticides.
Organic grown coffee will only use natural, organic fertilizers. This would include fully organic compost and mulch, as well as companion planting. The soil and environment also benefit both in the short and long term. Short term, the soil and environment don't have their natural chemical and ecological balance thrown off by the introduction of synthetic chemical fertilizers. Long term, the soil and environment will be able to support continued growing and harvesting for many years without drastic soil treatments being necessary.
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