Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, which seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of marginalized producers and workers. Fair trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, raising awareness and campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.

Organic coffee does not utilize pesticides or other chemical solutions to natural problems. Rather, organic methods include building healthy soil through composting, terracing, and inter-cropping. Organic farmers utilize biological pest control. They incorporate shade trees and various other sustainable agricultural tools for the health of their coffee trees. They are moving towards the sustainability of their ecosystem.

Transitional coffee is coffee grown using organic farming techniques by farms that are in transition to receive organic certification.  This can be a daunting period for producers, as they must face a variety of challenges.  This transition time is difficult due to the cost of the organic certification fees and the impact on crop yields from the changeover to holistic agriculture.  By buying the transitional coffee at an organic premium, Third Coast Coffee and their customers assist producers in reaching their goal of certification.