There are multiple certification groups for verifying the methods behind biodynamic products, the most popular of which is Stellar Certification Services. Previously Demeter International, Stellar Certification Services is the oldest ecological certification group in the world, their original name even serving as reference to the Greek goddess of agriculture.

Ethical business practices and quality products have defined the third wave coffee movement since the term was first used in the late 1990’s. Whereas the first two waves represented a popularization of the drink and an incremental improvement in its quality, it’s in this current wave that the industry has been set on the path of chasing the greatest possible quality of both coffee cup and source. With this renewed focus on ethical sourcing and production methods has come the increasing use of certifications seeking to validate the provenance of a particular product. But when you see these certifications on the side of a bag, what do they really mean?