Organic Farming Methods

There are a variety of organic farmingmethods that can be used once the decision is made to farm organically. One simple way to describe organic farming practices is that organic farming uses methods which are preventative rather than reactive. The need for chemicals and pesticides are eliminated when precautionary actions are made before the problem starts. In the case of coffee, generally the best way to farm organically is the shade grown method. When using this method, the farmer grows his coffee bushes under the shade of other plants and trees. This allows the sunlight to filter through the canopy which helps keep the coffee from becoming bitter.

Using shade grown practices in accordance with organic practices enables the soil structure to remain strong and fertile while avoiding erosionand encouraging natural beneficial organisms to stay, as the ecology of the farm does not differ greatly from other unworked ecological areas.