Exposing the Truth: Organic Coffee Myths with The Nomadic Movement
At Buena Vida, we are dedicated to uncovering the truths behind the coffee industry, ensuring transparency and authenticity in every bean we produce. Recently, we had the honor of collaborating with the passionate YouTube channel of The Nomadic Movement to explore a pressing question: Is organic coffee truly what it claims to be? This collaboration, featured in their eye-opening video "We've Been Lied To... (exposing the truth)," allowed us to share a little bit of the reality we are facing and share about some critical aspects of the organic coffee industry. Here is their website too!
Our Role in the Investigation
The journey began with a partnership, a shared passion for ethical coffee production. We were approached by the team of The Nomadic Movement, who were determined to explore the discrepancies they had noticed between the availability of organic coffee in the United States and its apparent scarcity in coffee-growing regions like Central America. Having already been deeply involved in sustainable coffee farming, we were thrilled to join forces and provide our experience.
This adventure took the team from Panama to the lands of Costa Rica, where we guided them through two of our partnering coffee farms. Our goal was to offer an insider’s perspective on the realities of coffee farming and the challenges that small farmers face in achieving organic certification and dealing with the government organizations, a problem not only present In Costa Rica but across the globe.
Revealing the Realities
One of the highlights of the journey was our visit to Arturo's farm. Arturo, a long-time coffee farmer, shared his experience of being coerced into using chemicals by local authorities. This pivotal moment highlighted the immense pressure farmers face and the systemic issues that drive them away from organic practices. Our team at Buena Vida, featuring Gally Mayer, co-owner of Buena Vida Specialty Coffee, provided insights into the bureaucratic hurdles and economic pressures that hinder truly organic farming. We introduced their team to the concept of Regenify certification at La Bella farm—a step beyond organic. Regenify focuses on regenerating soil health and promoting sustainable farming practices without the bureaucratic red tape of traditional organic certifications. This certification embodies our commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical farming.
Addressing Greenwashing
One of the key notes from our collaboration was the prevalence of greenwashing in the farming industry. Many products labeled as organic in the United States do not reflect the genuine practices of organic farming. This discrepancy is often due to the misleading marketing tactics of large corporations, which prioritize profit over sustainability. Our goal was to highlight these issues and promote a more honest approach to coffee labeling.
Celebrating Our Collaboration
Being featured in the YouTube video was a testament to our hard work and unwavering commitment to ethical coffee production. We are proud to have played a crucial role in uncovering the truths behind organic coffee and guiding the team through the intricate landscape of coffee farming in Central America. This collaboration not only highlighted the challenges and triumphs of small farmers but also reinforced our mission at Buena Vida.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to watch the full video here to see our journey and learn more about the truths we uncovered. By supporting Buena Vida, you are contributing to a movement that values ethical farming and genuine transparency. Together, we can make a positive impact on the coffee industry and support the farmers who work tirelessly to bring us the finest coffee.
Thank you for being part of the Buena Vida family. Your support enables us to continue our mission of promoting sustainable and honest coffee production. Let's brew a better future together!