Sources of certified green beans

Like to roast your own beans? There aren’t many places that I’ve found where you can get certified shade grown green beans. Here are some online sources, noted as being certified either by Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) or Rainforest Alliance (RA). Offerings may vary over time.

Birds and Beans (ON). Offers both SMBC and RA certified coffees, most single origin certified coffees available green. Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and El Salvador.

Burman Coffee Traders (WI). One SMBC selection (Peru decaf) and other organic or Fair Trade varieties.

Coffee Project (CA). At least one SMBC bean (Bolivian), other organics. Nice reviews and roasting tips (and roasting supplies).

Good Coffee Company (SC). Only RA certified beans (and roasted beans). Several origins (including a decaf) and one blend.

ProCoffee (GA). One SMBC bean (Colombian Mesa de los Santos), other organic and Fair Trade offerings. Owner of CoffeeAM.

U-Roast-Em (WI). One RA offering (Colombian), some other organic and Fair Trade varieties.

Here are some sources of green beans from importers/roasters who carry uncertified shade beans, organic beans, beans from small farms and coops, and/or “relationship” coffee.

Bald Mountain Coffee (OH). Some organic and Fair Trade beans.

Cate’s Green Coffee (NJ). You can find some of Cate’s coffees often reviewed at CoffeeCuppers.com.

Coffee Maria (IL). Green and roasted beans. Descriptions of origins and sources (including some with intense shade, and suggesting that one or more might be RA certified) on information page; coffees often reviewed at CoffeeCuppers.com.

Intelligentsia (IL). Well-known for their dedication to quality coffee, a favorite with coffee nerds. Some good organic offerings.

Seven Bridges Cooperative (CA). All beans organic and Fair Trade. Nice variety of single origin beans. Bonus: Home roasting supplies, and because they were founded as a source of supplies for organic home brewing, you can take care of your beer fix, too.

Sweet Marias (CA). One of the best-known purveyors of beans, supplies, and resources for the home roaster. For each bean offered, there is typically a description of the farm, growing conditions, and botanical variety in addition to extensive cupping (flavor) and roast notes.

Thanks to German Chocolate Ladies for use of the green bean photo.