There are several organizations across the globe that certify coffee as organic. Each have their own requirements and systems for verifying and handling their certification. But what is organic coffee? Let’s look at how Australian Coffee Roasters handle Organic certifications for our Aspire blend coffee.
What is Organic Coffee?
Organic coffee is a type of coffee that has been grown without the use of pesticides. This means that the plants are not exposed to any chemicals, fertilizers, or herbicides.
Moreover, ACO Organic certification (the certification given for Veneziano’s Aspire blend) mandates and ensures that there are not chemical additives at any point throughout the whole supply chain. From the ground to the cup, ACO certifications means that your coffee is truly organic.
Veneziano Coffee Roasters’ Aspire Blend is ACO Certified
What does it mean that a coffee roaster is ACO certified? Doesn’t organic certification primarily focus on the coffee farmers?
ACO Certification is stringent with its organic standards. Some other organic certifications only look at what the local farmer is doing. Are they using pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals throughout the growing process?
Down the line, when organic coffee is processed and later when it is roasted, it is easy for some companies to cross-contaminate with non-organic coffee beans. ACO certifies the growing, processing, roasting, and distribution of the beans through the entire process. To be ACO Certified that the coffee as well as processes and facilities are examined to ensure that there is no cross-contamination.
A certified organic coffee is hard to come by. 97% of the world’s coffee is not able to be certified as organic. These are treated with all manner of chemicals at various stages in the supply chain.
Verified by our ACO certification, Veneziano Coffee Roasters delivers our premium, organic coffee ‘Aspire’ in each of our cafes, online, and via subscription. It is also Fair Trade certified which demonstrates that sustainability and fair business practices were done throughout the supply-chain for that blend.
How to Identify True Organic Coffee
There are many reasons why you might like to purchase organic coffee. Some people enjoy the taste better. Others are advocates for public health and see the vast amounts of chemicals used in agriculture as a systemic issue.
As we’ve discovered, organic certification ensures that coffee was grown and processed without the use of any synthetic substances, such as chemical fertilizers or fungicides. There are a few major certifications used around the world. It is important to know the major certification entities since the coffee industry is interconnected internationally.
Look for these common national and international organic certifications:
- QCS (Quality Certification Services)
- OCIA (Organic Crop Improvement Association)
- USDA Organic (American Certification)
- ACO (Australian Certified Organic)
Always check the packaging of the coffee you purchase. Any certifications, including Fair Trade and Organic, should be clearly displayed with the certifying body’s certification symbol. If there are any doubts, do a quick search online for the certification that is displayed (if any). The guidelines should be clear and give you the information you need to make your purchasing decision.