Is Your Coffee Sustainable?
Every year thousands of migratory birds fly the long journey from North American forests, parks and backyards to the warm rainforests of Central and South America. Many of these birds will take shelter in the trees that provide shade for coffee farms.
Possibly one of the best known North American migrants--the Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Traditionally, coffee plants are grown in the same habitat required by many birds and other creatures. In the 70s however, farmers developed a coffee-hybrid that produced greater yields and did not require shade, resulting in the clearing of many shade trees. As a result, soils washed downhill, streams clogged with silt and agrochemicals, wildlife disappeared and also many species of migratory birds suffered as their winter tropical homes were converted from forests to full-sun coffee farms.
Coffee is the second most valuable commodity today in international commerce after oil. Two billion dollars’ worth is traded every year. People drink coffee in every country in the world.
Rainforest Alliance works with farmers to grow their beans in harmony with nature. They help farmers to conserve their soils and waterways, run their farm more efficiently, and protect wildlife habitat. Wildlife in well managed coffee farms can be amazing! In areas where deforestation is rampant, the forested coffee farms may be the only resting points for weary migrating birds.
Swainson's Hawks, such as our own Trucker, migrate as far south as Argentina and Uruguay
In addition to protecting the environment, Rainforest Alliance Certified farms take good care of workers and their families, providing access to medical care and schools. Well run, well-tended coffee farms usually produce high quality beans. Coffee drinkers everywhere can support coffee farmers who maintain forested refuges simply by purchasing coffee beans stamped with the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal of approval.
Look for the Rainforest Alliance logo on your next coffee purchase
Rainforest Alliance has certified more than 26,000 farms large and small in 18 countries producing many different products we use. The certification program prohibits the use of dangerous pesticides, and tightly regulates all use of agrochemicals in order to minimize risk to human health and the environment. The Rainforest Alliance Certified seal ensures that the product is derived from farms where the environment is protected.
The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center also certifies farms, and their seal states “Bird-Friendly.” They have the strictest environmental standards and assure that your coffee was grown with biodiversity and sustainability as top priorities.
Submitted by Sara Oliver, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist
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