Organic Farming

With organic coffee, traceability is guaranteed from the plantation to the cup. Organic techniques are certified with a label twice. At production, in the source country, and at distribution, in the consumer country. The grower must record all acts and events for the plantation on a daily basis, together with the type and quantity of all products used for the growing process, and storage and transport. The same transparent methods are required of the roaster in the transformation process and for packaging conditions.

Trees and the plantation must be carefully tended when growing organic coffee. Pruning the coffee trees to enhance growth, and yield, removing new shoots, removing weak plants and fully replanting, etc.

Organic coffee growing also means ruling out chemical fertilizers to avoid running the soil down. It means using traditional methods, a far cry from intensive farming. Depending on the needs of the trees, growers use compost made of coffee cherry pulp, coffee tree branches and leaves, among other elements, can be used: no part of the trees is wasted!

Plants are formed as dense hedges, holding the soil and compost in place and preventing erosion to protect the coffee trees. Parasites are counteracted using traditional and natural techniques.

Agroforestry involves growing commercial trees (coffee, cocoa, rubber, etc.), fruit trees (avocado plants, orange trees, etc.) or garden crops combined with the tropical rainforest. Coffee is generally produced as part of an intensive farming operation, however this crop is perfectly compatible with agroforestry crops.

This model has proven to be a key solution for protecting the tropical forest and combating climate change. This approach helps to protect biodiversity, soils and water resources as well as absorb thousands of tons of CO2 emitted by anthropogenic activities.

An agroforestry-type coffee growing operation also produces top-quality coffees, and promotes the local production of fruit and vegetables, bringing in complementary sources of income for inhabitants.

As a pioneer in French fair trade coffee, our active commitment to organic farming is clear. Organic farming is the natural partner to fair trade.  On this basis, 25% of our coffees and 100% of Malongo teas are certified Agriculture Biologique (organic) Malongo leads agronomic research projects in order to enhance productivity while reducing the impact of farming on the environment.

Our organic coffee is as closely monitored and carefully processed after harvesting, as throughout the process leading to the cups of consumers.  Under no circumstances may the coffee be stored with non-organic products. All coffee containers at our plant will be systematically cleaned according to a precise procedure guaranteeing purity.