Durango Joe's Serves Only Fair Trade and Certified Organic Coffee

FAIR TRADE

FAIR TRADE is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, which seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South. Fair trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.

FAIR TRADE (defined by the Fair Trade Federation) means an equitable and fair partnership between marketers in North America and producers in Asia, Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world. A fair trade partnership works to provide low-income artisans and farmers with a living wage for their work, enabling them to cover basic needs, including food, shelter, education and health care for their families.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC

CERTIFIED ORGANIC food is produced according to certain legally regulated standards. For crops, it means they were grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. Also, organic food is produced without the use of genetically modified organisms.

Organic (defined by The National Organic Standards Board) is "a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act." In organic production one must "use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole. Organic agriculture is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological diversity."

Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards set by a national committee to maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. After thorough inspection by an organic certifying agency, they are permitted to use an organic label, signifying and ensuring their adherence to the organic system.