Rainforest Alliance Certified coffees are grown on farms that specifically go out of their way not to harm the forests and ecosystems around them. Many rainforest coffees are grown in places with incredible biodiversity, near plants and animals that exist nowhere else on Earth except for right where they are.
Those coffee farms and coffee farmers adhere to strict environmental and social standards put in place by the RFA. Those farms receive and Rainforest Alliance certification and seal that certifies their products and promotes both social and economic sustainability, allowing both people and wildlife to thrive. Buying Rainforest Alliance coffees supports the farms that are in tune with local communities and ecology allows not only you but the farmers to continue protecting rainforests and fighting climate change.
What Does Rainforest Alliance Certified mean?
The Rainforest Alliance (RFA) is an international organization committed to bringing about lasting change in the use and conservation of natural resources and the treatment of whole communities. The goal of the Rainforest Alliance is to unify businesses, farmers, consumers, and forest communities in the effort to create sustainable, equitable, environmentally conscious business practices for the good of the earth and people. Products, such as coffee, that bear the RFA label are produced in accordance with the high standards that uphold the lofty ideals of the Rainforest Alliance.
Why Should I Buy Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee?
The RFA seal gives consumers confidence that their coffee purchase supports the integrity and environmental sustainability of the production of that specific coffee. Consumers who buy RFA coffees have a long-view of the power of their purchase. The long-term result of buying RFA certified coffee is the protection and “right use” of lands, including rainforests and other forests, supporting small sustainable farms and farmers, and increased stability in local coffee growing communities. Looking for the RFA seal is one simple way that you can support these ideals.
Recommended RFA Coffees
Costa Rica La Minita Tarrazu RFA
This coffee is one of the perennial favorites of so many of our customers, that we had to mention it at the top of our list of recommended RFA coffees. La Minita Estate is one of the premier coffee growing estates in the world, producing some of the finest coffees. Their estate controls every aspect of production, from nursery to milling, giving their coffees excellent integrity that their customers can rely on. The La Minita Tarrazu has a medium body, bright acidity, and the sweet flavors of caramelized sugar and fine chocolate with a hint of orange. Well balanced, this coffee has a long smooth finish that will keep you coming back for more.
Brazil Daterra Sweet Blue RFA
The famous Daterra Estate in Brazil is committed not only to “producing the best coffee in the world”, but to “producing coffee for a better world”. Blazing the path in Brazil for sustainable coffee growing practices, all Daterra farms have been Rainforest Alliance Certified since 2003. You can feel good about the great taste of the Sweet Blue. This coffee is moderately acidic. The aroma will knock your socks off, and the balance doesn’t disappoint. Roast it light for syrupy sweetness with a strong almond flavor. Or, roast it medium to medium dark for spicy dark cocoa notes.
Uganda Organic Bugisu RFA
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in the rough, look no further. While the most notable African coffees hale from Kenya or Ethiopia, the Uganda Organic Bugisu is a surprising delight! And, because it’s a lesser known jewel, you get way more bang for your buck. Expect a great aroma to start you off. The body is light, like other African coffees, but the flavor is anything but light. You will notice a great flavor profile to this coffee: sweetness, dark chocolate, Brazil nut, and a deep earthy taste. Roast it dark to develop the complexity and sweetness.