I make every effort to not conflate one certification with another… so thanks for the opportunity to clear things up.

No question, Organic certification is the most strident of all certification programs in terms of overall ecological benefits. Hands down. Just the same, Fair Trade certification — while primarily a market-driven, social equity approach — also has a role to play in overall sustainability.

While Fair Trade certification doesn’t prohibit the use of agrochemicals, it does strictly limit their use (and storage, and access) while at the same time encouraging (and training) farmers to employ more sustainable methods for soil improvement and weed control. And all that is packaged into an integrated farm management practice that also includes land conservation and biodiversity practices.

Fair Trade certification is a pretty thorough package that brings together a lot of disciplines; all of them geared toward more sustainable farming, and more sustainable farm communities in producing countries. So, as I suggested in the original article — when we buy coffee that is both Fair Trade Certified™ and Organic — we’ve got a compelling reason to feel good.

P.S. I remembered to include this only after I’d already hit the button: A lot of would be organic farms get Fair Trade certification first, and then use the additional proceeds to bankroll the more expensive Organic certification process. So in that way, Fair Trade is something of a springboard for Organic. Which is all good.

Please don’t blur the lines of certification efforts into a single ball of “feel good, all good” bliss. That’s just promoting a lack of being informed.

My wife uses one of Irene’s KoffeeKompanions cup lids every day. It’s well-made, and does a great job of keeping a cup hot and drinkable.

So there. ;)