Traditionally and naturally, most coffee has been grown in the shade of rainforests. Beginning in 1972, farmers have been encouraged to increase crop yields by clearcutting their farms and switching to new sun-tolerant hybrids.
The slow but steady conversion to sun-grown coffee has resulted in massive deforestation that continues to this day. Sun growing has also increased pollution, as it requires chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides unnecessary for shade growing. Once committed to this technified process, farmers can find themselves unable to afford the requisite chemicals in times of natural disasters and lean harvests.
Many birds familiar to North Americans migrate to the canopies of Latin American rainforests. In fact, 33% of all migratory birds that breed in the United States spend winter in coffee growing areas of Latin America.
Shade coffee farms support over 150 species of birds. This is a far greater number than is found in other agricultural habitats and is only slightly exceeded in undisturbed rainforests. In the midst of shrinking rainforest habitat, migratory birds have found sanctuary in shade-grown farms.
By the way, there's no need to sacrifice your pleasure to help the planet. Coffee grown in its natural environment in nutrient-rich soil has time to develop all its sugars as it matures fully. This natural process translates to the best taste for you.
