Coffee Issues
There are many important issues that affect the world's small farm coffee producer. We will attempt to source objective critiques of the politics for these issues and update them as they become available.
The Pros and Cons of FairTrade Coffee
Granite Ledge Coffee decided in 2007 to end its relationship with TransFairUSA but continues to source and offer FairTrade coffees to its customers via our West Coast buyer, similarly to the decision made by Deans Beans, Larry's Beans and many others. This article is an excellent critique of how the FairTrade concept has fared...especially now that Wal-Mart, McDonald's and Starbucks have entered into the fray.
Does the USDA Serve the Farmer?
Granite Ledge Coffee has yet to take part in the USDA's branding program for organic coffees but continues to source organically grown coffees for several of its brands. We are squarely against their policy that favors large scale growers (Big Coffee) and making it financially prohibitive for small plot farmers, who comprise the vast majority of coffee producers, to get their small farms certified.
Where have all the Kenyan Coffees Gone?
In the beginning, Granite Ledge Coffee strived to specialize in African Coffees but decided some time ago to eliminate Kenyan produce from our current offering. This article helps to shine some light on the issue without broaching the subject of Kenya's political condition that brinks on the edge of all-out cival war. Kenyan farmers' have the reputation for producing one of the worlds' very finest coffees and we do miss them dearly.
How Do They Flavor Coffee Beans?
One of the issues that is very important to us is educating the coffee aficionado to the potentially harmful compounds used to flavor their favorite coffee drink. Granite Ledge Coffee refuses to offer these flavored products because we employ organically grown coffees that could be contaminated. However, it is possible to enjoy flavored coffee, safely, by knowing the facts.
Coffee and Habituation
Many of us like it. Some of us like it quite a bit. Others seem to need it. What are the facts about caffeine and its physiological effects on the human body.
A Brief Coffee History
This brief history of the coffee bean provides a short primer for the wonderful berry that has changed the relationship among humanity for the foreseeable future.