“The more we pour the big machines, the fuel, the pesticides, the herbicides, the fertilizer and chemicals into farming, the more we knock out the mechanism that made it all work in the first place.” -David R. Brower

I figure since so much of the Marley Coffee Company revolves around organic methods, the fair trade movement, and sustainable farming, perhaps it would be nice to briefly define some of the terms and labeling you see on your Marley Coffee bags (as well as on a slew of other products in your local market).

It is important to remember that all of these certifications take an enormous amount of time and effort to acquire and maintain.  They require the company to adhere to a very strict set of economic, social, and environmental criteria. Organic labeling can be tricky, so it’s important to know exactly what these stamps of certification mean.  So let’s get to it!!!

USDA ORGANIC

A USDA Organic certified product and its ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, ionic radiation, and genetically modified organisms. When you see this label, you can be sure that the product is at least 95% organic.

*Get more information on USDA Organic products, and the requirements for obtaining USDA Organic certification.

FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED:

Fair Trade is a label that designates that importers and retailers support the payment of fair prices and fair wages to farmers or goods producers in developing economies.The label was established to distinguish businesses that were complying with certain social, economic, and environmental standards. Probably the most popular Fair Trade good is coffee.

*Get more information on the requirements of Fair-Trade Certification.

ITAL:

While I am proud of ALL of Marley Coffee’s certifications, this one is of particular importance to us because not only are we the founders of this unique certification, but it holds significant meaning to all of us involved in the Rastafari movement. If you have ever been to Jamaica, you have surely heard the phrase, “Ital is Vital!”The primary goal of Ital is to increase “Livity”, or life energy. It is important that all living things share a central “Livity”, and what is put into one’s body should enhance life rather than reduce it. The general principle of Ital is that food should be natural, pure, and from the earth!

To see all of our certifications, please visit the Marley Coffee Store.

ONE LOVE!