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Environmental awareness and the resurgence of the desire to consume better are pushing consumers to rethink their buying habits and to orient their choice towards organic and labeled coffees. Indeed, for the past few years, intensive agriculture has been exposed to multiple scandals that denounce devastating agriculture and deplorable working conditions. Eager not to feed a system that is leading the soil and the climate to their doom, consumers are taking care to choose their consumer products carefully. In order to meet the needs of ecological and responsible consumption, several labels have been created. Labeled products reinforce the confidence of consumers. But, how to choose an organic coffee?
The labels allow to certify the quality and the origin of a product. Indeed, a labeled coffee meets precise specifications that assure consumers that the coffee complies with the expected standards, to obtain the qualified certification. What is an institutional label for organic coffee?
The institutional labels are certainly the best known to the general public. The AB label (Agriculture Biologique) is a French label belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Very well known in the food industry, the AB label certifies that the coffee is 100% organic. The AB label can be affixed on the packaging in addition to the Eurofeuille label.
The Eurofeuille label is a European label that certifies the origin and composition of food products. On July1, 2010, the use of this label was made mandatory in the European Union. Indeed, all products from organic agriculture manufactured in Europe and complying with European organic standards carry the Eurofeuille label. Thanks to the creation of this label, organic products produced in Europe follow the same production standards and thus harmonize the trade of organic products.
Other existing labels: the thematic labels. What is a theme label for organic coffee? Thematic labels require fewer requirements than organic labels, as they do not focus on a wide range of aspects. A coffee with a thematic label has been grown within the restrictions imposed by the label, which are accessible and usually only based on one criterion. Among the many thematic labels, the best known are certainly :
A thematic label may require that the product be grown by producers who are committed to biodiversity and sustainability. A theme label requires fewer requirements than an institutional label, but is still a symbol of progress.
Some manufacturers establish specifications for their establishment and adapt to the constraints they have created. A self-certified label is not a guarantee for the consumer, because it is based on the company's own judgement of itself and the constraints it imposes on itself.
What is a self-certified label for organic coffee? This type of certification is synonymous with the elaboration and application of specifications, but it is not a strict guarantee. In fact, there is no proof of the production methods or the origin of the samples. A self-certified coffee does not guarantee consumers that it is truly organic, environmentally friendly or respectful of the social conditions of the workers.
Much less known by the general public and yet established before the implementation of Eurofeuille, the organic + labels are more restrictive than the organic labels. Some people find organic labels too lenient, but organic + labels guarantee the production of products that meet very strict standards.
The two most famous organic + labels are :
For consumers, what is an organic + label for organic coffee? This label certifies that coffee producers and growers adhere to 100% organic production methods, promoting agroecology. A coffee bearing this logo is a 100% organic product that respects the earth by eliminating chemical inputs. The producers practice soil-friendly production methods, but also cultivate solidarity and respect for social conditions.
What is biodynamic coffee? Biodynamic agriculture is based on an esoteric current of anthroposophy that makes this type of agriculture magical. Biodynamic production is aligned with lunar cycles, the faith of those who share esoteric beliefs and the use of preparations created on esoteric principles. This method of cultivation is based on the principles of organic cultivation, but differs in its esoteric dimension.
Organizations such as IMO and EcoCert issue the Demeter label to coffee producers who use biodynamic agriculture. This label certifies that the coffee is organic and biodynamic. Many farmers and producers who claim to produce biodynamically do not obtain the label, because this method of cultivation is based on many pillars (preparations, lunar calendar, planetary harmony, etc.). The creation of this label pushes producers to deepen their production method and their knowledge of this very complete agriculture. The Demeter label certifies to the consumer the organic and biodynamic origin of the coffee, and attracts people who share these practices and beliefs.
In short, labels attest to the quality of a coffee to consumers. However, among the many existing labels, some are more open about the regulations to be respected, while others are stricter. The institutional labels, very well known by the general public, are undoubtedly safe values, which offer the possibility to consumers to consume organic coffees, in correlation with the European or French standards. Thematic labels can be based on sustainable trade or solidarity economy, but not specifically on organic agriculture. The bio + labels deepen the requirements and guarantee the origin of a 100% organic coffee. However, other labels, such as self-certified labels, do not offer real guarantees.
In other words, to consume an organic coffee, the institutional and organic + labels remain the most reliable. Finally, as coffee is the3rd most consumed beverage in the world, it is advisable to orientate your coffee consumption towards organic coffees that do not favor the use of chemical inputs and intensive production methods. Consuming organic coffee means preserving the environment, but also your health.
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