Perhaps you should join a coffee association.

The ever-expansive world of espresso and filter coffee continues to swarm across the globe, having made an immediate impact in the developed nations of the world, and with that, its reach is stretching far into the least developed growing regions. 

With top espresso bars and cafes opening up in South Africa – Truth Coffee and Central America – Refuge Coffee Bar, it’s hard to picture how this industries growth is currently monitored and perhaps, patrolled, to ensure that the coffee bean consumers are keeping the high quality and standards of the growing regions.

At the very least, how are the standards being maintained in the United States?

Enter the National Coffee Association USA.  Sure they have the power equivalent of the United Nations but knowing they are there can be enough to keep the farming regions of the world feeling safe that someone is monitoring the best practices within each nation.  The NCA is one of the oldest trade associations, having it roots in the coffee business since 1911.  They have a deep well of information on American legislation and are always paying attention to the latest coffee and health research.   Membership to such an association connects you to a committed organization that promotes a professional and sustainable future for the development of coffee in the United States.

The Specialty Coffee Association of America follows in the same footsteps as the NCA.  Offering educational pathways in coffee and business as well as highlighting the developments of the coffee industry through awards hosting.  They are a veritable cornucopia of all things coffee, highlighting the developments of rural coffee growing regions and sustainable developments also.

So if you love your coffee and not just the latte every morning, but the deep love that draws you to understand further the journey the coffee cherry takes going from crop to cup, then start a membership with a well-respected coffee association.  You will get lost in the wonders of this global commodity as you sit to read and sip your way through a coffee adventure.