Talk the talk

Organic

The coffee was grown without synthetic fertilizers and most industrial pesticides.

Fair Trade Certified

Part of a nonprofit, international program that advocates sustainable production and fair prices for small farmers. TransFair USA, the certifying organization, also works for safe working conditions (and no forced child labor), limits the use of harmful pesticides, and supports credit plans and training for farm workers.

AA

The second-largest beans on a Kenyan grading scale; usually sold at a higher price than any other grade.

Rainforest Alliance Certified

This nonprofit group has determined that chemical pesticide use was limited, water and soil were conserved, and workers were treated fairly.

C.A.F.E.

A Starbucks term, standing for Coffee and Farmer Equity. According to the company's website, those guidelines, developed with Conservation International, "help our farmers grow coffee in a way that's better for both people and the planet."