What is bird friendly coffee?

What is “Bird Friendly®” coffee?
Bsically, “Bird Friendly®” coffee is coffee that is grown on farms in South America that provide a forest-like habitat for birds. “Bird Friendly®”coffees are planted underneath a canopy of trees as opposed to being grown on land that is cleared of all other vegetation. Due to the shaded, forest-like setting created by this canopy of trees, coffee produced this way is called shade-grown. Not only are “Bird Friendly®” coffees shade-grown, they are also organic, so they are grown without the input of chemical pesticides which poison the area and seeps into the coffee bean. “Bird Friendly®” coffees are the only coffees on the market to be certified as shade-grown and organic by an independent inspector using criteria established by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center of the National Zoo. These criteria are based on several years of scientific research. Companies that sell “Bird Friendly&reg” coffees contribute 25 cents per pound to support Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center research and conservation programs.

2. What’s the difference between “Bird Friendly®” coffees and other coffees?

“Bird Friendly®” coffees are shade-grown and organic. The traditional way of growing coffee involves cutting down the canopy trees and growing coffee plants in the sun. These “sun coffee” farms provide little or no bird habitat and pollute the environment because they require large amounts of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

3. How do I know if the coffee I buy is “Bird Friendly®”?

Look for the “Bird Friendly®” seal created by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.

4. Where do “Bird Friendly®” coffees come from?

Like much of the world coffee, “Bird Friendly®” coffees are grown in the highlands of many South America countries from Mexico south to Peru.

5. Do “Bird Friendly & reg” coffees cost more than other coffees?

Yes, “Bird Friendly®” coffees may cost a few cents more per cup. This is a small price to pay given the benefits to birds and other wildlife, coffee farmers, and the overall health of the environment.

6. How do “Bird Friendly®” coffees taste compared to other coffees?

Coffee experts say that shade-grown coffee beans do taste better than sun-grown coffee beans. This is because shade coffee beans ripen more slowly, resulting in a richer flavor.
7. Where can I purchase “Bird Friendly&reg” coffee?

You can purchase “Bird Friendly®” coffee at all Smithsonian National Zoo stores and restaurants. In addition, there are a number of companies across the United States and Canada that sell certified “Bird Friendly®” coffees through retail stores, internet sales, and by mail order.