Organic Regenerative Coffee Brands
Groundwork Coffee Received ROC Certification in California
Colin Smith — May 12, 2023
The Groundwork Coffee company is a business that sells organic, ethically sourced coffee, organic tea, and other drinks. It started in 1990 when Richard Karno wanted to roast his own coffee for his book and cafe shop. The business has cafes in California and Oregon and offers catering and delivery services. Groundwork Coffee is one of the first businesses to roast organic coffee in California and Portland.
Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) is a USDA organic certification that requires farmers to use practices that enhance biodiversity and protect workers' rights. These farming practices also improve soil health, animal welfare, and social justice. ROC is more strict than the current USDA organic certification because it asks farmers to use methods that increase biodiversity, store carbon, and protect workers’ rights. Groundwork Coffee is the first business to sell ROC coffee with the help of Cooperativa Sacaclí and Coffee United. This coffee comes from Nicaragua and has a medium roast with flavors of lemonade and cranberry. ROC coffee could benefit the coffee industry by supporting sustainability, quality, and transparency with coffee roasters and customers.
