One of the central issues for many coffee consumers is "Fair Trade," basically making sure that the coffee you buy is economically, socially, and environmentally responsible, particularly to millions of Third World farmers who produce it.
There is a nice, succinct summarization of Fair Trade here. The issue isn't wholly undisputed, as is shown well here.
Check out FairTrade.net for the businesses involved with fair trading as well as more information on the topic.