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Understanding how a product such as coffee becomes certified organic, gains a better understanding into the world of nutrition and how food labels affect ones health and well being.

Organic food basically means that even before the food was grown, the area where the seeds or plants were planted had to be free and clear of waste and chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides. Any type of plant food spray is prohibited when it comes to growing the coffee bean, which means extra care has to be established by the grower such as weeding by hand, pest removal by means of not using any type of chemical and routine feeding and maintenance by drug free plant food. The same goes for organically grown vegetables and also animals that are also being raised for the consumption of organic milk and meat.

For a company or manufacturer to allow their coffee to become certified organic they must first differentiate between their organic growing methods and their more traditional methods that involve the use of synthetic chemicals and sewage sludge in the growing and manufacturing of all the food they grow as well as the animals they raise at the same location.

For products such as coffee to be labeled certified organic, a farm or business must set high standards throughout the entire growing process. From the way seeds or plants are stored to before they are planted, are just as important as keeping unnatural chemicals and preservatives away from them while they are growing. For example, how coffee beans are picked and how they are stored as well as how chemical free they remain while being packaged and shipped is essential in meeting organic food guidelines and measures. Organic coffee beans must meet full organic standards right up until they land on store shelves at the local market or grocery store to be ready for consumers to purchase.

The land in which the coffee or other organic product is being grown on must remain free from any chemical or fertilizer dumping that could contaminate the soil even if it isn't being directly sprayed onto the organic plants. Even the smallest amount of outside contamination can occur from chemicals that have leaked into the surrounding soil, thus making the coffee un-certifiable organic.

Keeping non-certified organic food separate from organic food is essential in keeping up with the standard guidelines with the organic label. Cross contamination of food such as coffee beans is not allowed and could cause a business to lose their license or organic food selling privileges.

Growers must live up to the highest standards in keeping organic versus non organic foods separate from the time of planting and even up to delivery and distribution.

Having the site where the coffee is grown periodically inspected by government food officials or nonprofit organic organizations and private companies is the only way for a product to carry an organically grown stamp on their coffee. Growers must abide by all of these guidelines in order to maintain a healthy environment for coffee until it reaches the consumer.