Organic Certification

Big City Coffee roasts and blends beans certified organic by the U S Department of Agriculture (USDA).

USDA's National Organic Program regulates the standards for any farm, wild crop harvesting, or handling operation that wants to sell an agricultural product as organically produced.

The National Organic Program and the Organic Foods Production Act are intended to assure consumers that the organic foods they purchase are produced, processed, and certified to be consistent with national organic standards.

Certified organic farming systems have the potential to lower input costs, decrease reliance on nonrenewable resources, capture high-value markets and premium prices, and boost farm income. Organic farming systems rely on ecologically based practices such as cultural and biological pest management, exclusion of all synthetic chemicals, antibiotics, and hormones in crop and livestock production.

Fair Trade Certification

Through Fair Trade, farmers and their families are earning a better income for their hard work-allowing them to hold on to their land, keep their kids in school, and invest in the quality of their harvest-so they can continue to grow excellent quality coffee for your morning brew.

TransFair USA traces Fair Trade product from producers on the international Fair Trade Register to importers, manufacturers, and distributors in the US. TransFair USA's rigorous audit system verifies industry compliance with Fair Trade criteria. TransFair USA allows U.S. companies to display the Fair Trade Certified label on products that meet strict Fair Trade standards.

Fair Trade Certification empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace.

The Fair Trade Certified™ label guarantees consumers that strict economic, social and environmental criteria were met in the production and trade of an agricultural product. Fair Trade Certification is currently available in the U.S. for coffee, tea and herbs, cocoa and chocolate, fresh fruit, flowers, sugar, rice, and vanilla. TransFair USA licenses companies to display the Fair Trade Certified label on products that meet strict international Fair Trade standards.

Fair Trade Organizations

Rainforest Alliance

Rainforest Alliance Certified farms have reduced environmental footprints, are good neighbors to human and wild communities and are often integral parts of regional conservation initiatives.

Rainforest Alliance certification, the most comprehensive sustainability certification developed to date, is managed by the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN); a coalition of independent, nonprofit conservation groups. Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee farms ensure: the environment and wildlife are protected; workers receive decent wages and improved working and living conditions; workers and their families have access to education, medical care and clean water; coffee is harvested and processed responsibly. Farms that comply with certification criteria are awarded the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal of approval.

The Sustainable Agriculture Network is active on the ground in Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines and Tanzania.

Number of Certified Farms: 62,784