We often get questions about our relationships with our coffee bean suppliers, their farming practices, and what, if any, certifications they have. We know feeling good about your purchases is important to you (us too!), and we are so happy to reassure you that your favorite coffees can be counted towards that goal. We’ve put together a short series of content on sustainability certifications and practices in the coffee industry so that you can walk into your favorite local coffee shop – or peruse your grocery store coffee aisle – with confidence.
it starts with a farm and a family
Eleven years ago a friend of ours brought Tony back some coffee he purchased from a farmer in Guatemala. These beans came directly from the Leivas Family, roasted by their family, directly to our cup. It was a no-brainer for Tony, even in the early years of roasting, to reach out to see if these green beans were available for a unique Direct Relationship with Enderly Coffee.
Lucky for us and for you, the Leivas Family have a son, Geovanni, who moved to Arkansas and brings in his family coffee to roast and also to sell in the United States! So yes, we buy directly through the family. Fun note: when Tony and his first grade daughter visited Guatemala in 2019, it was Geovanni's parents (Norma and Armando Leivas) who picked them up at the airport, showed them around the city, brought them into their home, and sipped coffee on their couch!
Tony's visit to the Leiva's Family Home in Guatemala in 2019
what about certifications, like organic?
The coffee industry, like many other giant global industries, faces significant challenges in sustainability. With environmental concerns and ethical considerations becoming more and more important to consumers, it's essential for you to understand the various certifications and practices that define sustainable coffee.
Organic coffee certification ensures that the coffee is grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Key aspects include:
Soil Health: Organic farming practices enhance soil fertility through natural composting and crop rotation.
Biodiversity: Organic farms often support greater biodiversity, providing habitats for various plant and animal species.
Health Benefits: Organic coffee is free from harmful chemicals, which can benefit both consumers and farmworkers.
All of these things sound ideal for us as consumers. In the interest of not only our bodies and health, but the health and welfare of the farmers and their land! But there are a lot of downsides to certification, that aren’t easy to see, unless you do the research and talk to the actual farmers.
Here is a statement from Geovanni on what that means for their family farm:
“Certifications can be extremely expensive, often yielding minimal value for farmers. To address this, our family has focused on mastering organic practices and applying as many of them as possible to our farming methods. We are committed to protecting and stewarding the land we've been given. While we are organically grown, we are not certified. Our approach includes using a blend of organic compost, coffee pulp, banana leaves, and chicken manure, along with small amounts of fertilizers, to ensure our plants receive the nutrients they need to produce healthy beans and, consequently, exceptional coffee.”
-Geovanni Leivas
Essentially we’ve found that pursuing trustworthy relationships with small-scale farmers, like the Leivas family, who look at the land as their way of life- is the right way for us. We know that they may not have the financial resources to pursue certifications, but that they are committed to the same practices in order to maintain the health of the lands that also feed their families and communities. So, next time you reach for your freshly brewed cup of Enderly Coffee, you can feel good about making a choice that will support a better coffee future!
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