At Millars Wood Roasted Coffee, we support and purchase certified organiic coffees for use in our blends.

What it means to be certified organic

Certified organic coffee is grown according to the techniques of organic farming.  Organic coffee is grown without using artificial fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.  The three main coffee certifications are Shade Grown, Organic & Fair Trade.  These certifications are to create a more environmentally and socially responsible product.

Primarily, organic coffee is produced in Peru, Ethiopia and Mexico.

In order to be sold as organic, coffee must gain organic certification, and meet the following criteria:

1. Grown on land without synthetic pesticides or other prohibited substances for 3 years.
2. A sufficient buffer must exist between the organic coffee and the closest traditional crop.
3. There needs to be a sustainable crop rotation plan to prevent erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients, and pest control.

Organic Coffee & The Environment

Organic agriculture stimulates the environment's natural disease and pest control abilities.  Because many organic coffees are shade grown, forests and wildlife are preserved.  This has many benefits such as minimizing soil erosion and preserving habitat, particularly birds.  Additionally, leaves from trees and bird droppings provide a natural fertilizer.  Birds are also useful as they eat many of the insects that eat coffee plants.