The Alta Philosophy

In 1984, when I began roasting coffee, organic coffee was not talked about. There were very few micro-roasters and the big companies like Folgers and Yuban certainly were not concerned with the health of the workers or the land their coffee was being grown on.

Shortly after we opened we went to Central America and visited both types of farms: “Technified Farms,” (“Full Sun Coffee,”) and “Shade Grown” farms who practiced pre-1970’s growing traditions. Not only was it a great chance to see first hand where our beans came from and how they were processed, but also to meet the workers, without whom we would not have our beans. It was an eye opening experience.

After that trip we never looked back. We vowed never to support “Full Sun Coffee” farms again. These farms virtually cut down every tree on the hillsides, opening the door to erosion and destroying bird and insect habitats. The destruction of the land and of the workers’ health were not worth the cost to us, nor the profit it may bring us if we chose to sell such coffee. Our eyes were opened to the harmful effects of this kind of farming practice. “Full Sun Coffee” is a hybridized coffee tree that can tolerate full sun with the help of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The yield is high but the cost is great…the real cost is to the world’s environment.

Upon visiting the farms that were using “Shade Grown” farming practices, I realized that I could not just support “Shade Grown.” I had to take a step further—I could no longer support the non-organic farms, even if the profits might be higher. The use of toxic pesticides and chemical fertilizers is killing the micro-life in the soil and polluting the rivers and underground water reservoirs. The lives of the farmers and their families are in jeopardy due to these unsafe living and working conditions, not to mention the birds, bees, and basically all living things that are affected by the poisons.

Not so many years ago all coffee was grown under the edge of the forest canopy or under tall agricultural trees like bananas, macadamias, almonds, citrus, mangoes, and avocados. These trees also provided additional income for the farmers. The taller trees provided the natural fertilization or mulch of the composting leaves, enriching the soil with nutrients. The trees also attracted the migratory birds who help with insect control. There was no use of non-natural fertilizers or pesticides until recently. Organic farming is a ray of hope. “Shade Grown Organic Coffee” farming, a sustainable agricultural practice, provides nourishing food, protects those who work the land, helps stabilize the Earth’s climate and safeguards soil and water.

The Earth’s future depends on consumers who care about the quality of foods they purchase and feed to their families. We need to create a chain reaction of American consumers who buy from merchants who support organic farmers. Supporting organic coffee is a vote for a cleaner environment and a boost for a better life for the organic farmers.”

Patti Spooner, owner of Alta Organic Coffee and Tea Co.