Organic Certification Label
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TL;DR: We don’t have one. We are NOT organic certified, but here’s why. ↓
You're probably wondering why we don’t display the organic certification label on our coffee or whether we are even certified organic. The short answer? We don’t have one—we are not certified. But let’s explore the subject a bit more.
To achieve the "organic" label, every stage of the coffee production process must be certified organic. This includes farming, processing, and packaging. Coffee goes through multiple stages before reaching your cup: it is grown by farmers (often part of larger producer collectives), processed by exporters/millers, shipped by importers, roasted and packed by roasters, and sometimes handled by special processing plants.
To earn organic certification, each step must meet official USDA organic standards, which cost between $200 and $1,500 annually. These standards require:
✔ Avoiding prohibited substances (most synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers) on the land for at least three years before certification.
✔ Implementing crop rotation methods to maintain soil health.
✔ Paying annual fees for inspection and certification.
For small-scale farmers like us and the coffee we source, these costs can be prohibitive, even when our practices are already sustainable and responsible. Additionally, if we opt for certification, our farmers may face a difficult choice—either risk losing an entire crop to disease or discard years of work by using a potentially prohibited substance to save it.
While our coffee is grown using organic and sustainable methods, it may not meet all USDA certification requirements due to the cost and accessibility barriers. However, we prioritize sustainability and adopt environmentally responsible farming practices.
Currently, the only coffee we source is from our good friend Don Cristóbal, who follows the same cultivation methods as we do. After all, he and my grandfather Godo worked together for many years.
As we expand and source other coffee beans, we consider multiple factors—including growing and harvest seasons, soil types, farming practices, farm elevation, weather patterns, and maintaining a responsible supply chain from origin to cup. Although we don’t require USDA certification, we are committed to thorough research and responsible sourcing to ensure an exceptional taste and quality experience for you.
That said, as our business continues to grow, we remain open to the possibility of obtaining organic certification in the future, should it align with our values and ability to support our farmers.
If you are interested in learning even more, I'd like to refer you to these publications: