Hummingbirds, warblers and other migratory birds are not the only wildlife that inhabit tropical forests. Biological diversity in general is enhanced by a shaded system, which provides habitat for insects, snakes, reptiles, orchids, and other species. The shade trees also absorb CO2 and help preserve water quality. The coffee plant evolved with the blessings of forests, so growing coffee in farms utilizing forests can in fact be said to be a traditional farming method.

However, in some regions, trees that provide shade are being cut down, since more coffee can be produced and picked—sometimes even with the aid of machines in large plantations, thus lowering farming costs. On Bird Friendly® certified farms where forest-like shade is preserved, coffee is grown organically (organic certification is a pre-requisite for Bird Friendly® certification) and handpicked. It is difficult to maintain such a laborious farming method without deep consideration for nature and the global environment, as well as the support of consumers. This is why we need to support agroforestry based on the shade method in order to protect migratory birds. It is necessary to establish coffee traceability using the certification system so that consumers are free to select coffee from certified farms.

Currently 31 farms in 8 countries including Guatemala, Colombia and other countries mainly in Latin America, have been certified as Bird Friendly® through U.S. based Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center standards.

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Interview: Dr. Robert A. Rice