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Shade grown coffee requires higher levels of commitment to sustainable land management practices than conventional coffee growing. In this video, Gary Stenlin introduces us to La Patriana, the only certified bird friendly organic coffee plantation in Costa Rica. As Gary explains, shade grown coffee requires significantly higher labor inputs than conventionally grown coffee. This benefits the local community of San Ramon in a number of important ways, not the least of which is through its capacity to deliver employment and training opportunities to local people. If you’re someone who is contemplating a semester abroad, you might like to check out some of the experiential learning opportunities provided by Earth Education International. Sphere:...

Why have so many chocolate lovers shifted their allegiance to organically certified products? We contacted industry representatives across the globe for their responses. Sjaaks is a family business located in Northern California specialising in the manufacture of premium quality organic chocolates. Jessica Holten is the daughter of Sjaaks founder, Jacques Holten. Having grown up with chocolate, Jessica probably has a better understanding than most. She believes many consumers have become increasingly wary of the high levels of pesticides applied to raise conventional cocoa crops. The chocolate products may then contain residual chemicals present within the cocoa butter as derived from the oily components of the bean. Jessica also agrees with...

Many of us find it difficult to contemplate functioning without our morning coffee. Let’s face it, caffeine stimulates the brain and provides the energy boost we need. Depending on circumstances and routine, that first cup is probably followed by several others, distributed strategically throughout the day. In Continental Europe, freshly brewed coffee has been iconically popular since the beginning of the twentieth century. Try to imagine Paris without its coffee. It’s almost unthinkable! Shortly after the Second World War, the art of coffee making declined in many countries beyond the immediate influence of Continental Europe. This was primarily associated with the advent of instant blends which were economical and convenient. In a return...