We strive to buy coffees that are grown in ways that support farmers and farming communities in coffee-producing countries. By purchasing Farmer Friendly™ coffees, we hope to help strengthen and expand sustainable economic and environmental practices in the developing world.
Organic Coffee
At present, more than 95% percent of our coffees are organic, meaning they are grown without extra chemical inputs. We feel that consumers should choose organic products, not just for their own health but to lower the chemical loads in the countries of origin and so reduce the toll chemicals take on farmers.
Traditional, organic coffee-growing practices enhance biodiversity and the environment rather than destroying them. Supporting these practices helps to improve the overall health and welfare of these communities. Organic products may be certified by a number of different organizations including OCIA and SKAL. To obtain these certifications, coffees must be grown in fields that have been free of chemicals for at least three years.
Fair Trade
The principle behind fairly-traded coffee is that farmers should receive a fair payment for their crops. Fair trade requires a guarantee that the price paid for coffee meets or exceeds a certain minimum threshold — regardless of the market price at a given moment — and that the money should go directly to the producer groups, not to middlemen.
There are other components to this system including access to credit at reasonable interest rates, organized groups of small growers (cooperatives), and that buyers agree to purchase beans on a long-term basis. This system often supports a 'traditional polyculture', improving the quality of life for the farmers, the environment, and the quality of the coffee through access to other crops if the coffee harvest declines. Traditional methods allow growers to remain in tune with their environments and preserve their cultures.
Estate Coffees
Estate coffees originate from a single producer or plantation rather than from a region or blend. Much like estate wines, these coffees are distinctive and interesting, with differences in flavour from year to year. Most of these estate-type producers are small, village-oriented groups that take great pride in their efforts.
Origins' Wholesale production facility is located at the east end of Granville Island, near the Hotel on Cartwright Street. We invite you to visit our Artisan Roastery where you will witness traditional coffee roasting on vintage equipment using time-honoured techniques.
Remember to check our news section periodically for updates. Support Farmer Friendly™ coffees and request them at your workplace and your favourite restaurants and cafes. Your addiction can make a difference!
Farmer Friendly™ · Artisan Roasted™
Origins Organic Coffee
Roasters of Organic, Fairly Traded and Estate Coffees
