Ecological benefits of shade grown coffees

Until the 1970s, most coffee had to grow under thick trees. All of them are called “shade grown coffees”. Let’s find out the ecological benefits of shade grown coffees.

Because of the pressure to increase production, many coffee farmers have abandoned this method and switched to growing sun-tolerant coffee varieties. But these sun-tolerant varieties have cost them dearly. When producers not only spend money on fertilizers and pesticides, large-scale deforestation has caused both water depletion and soil erosion.

Shade grown coffees have ecological benefits

What is shade grown coffees?

Shade grown coffee refers to coffee that grows in the wild and grows under the canopy of taller trees.

Usually, this happens in an “agroforestry” setting, where coffee trees are planted with native trees to recreate the native rainforest environment. This creates an optimal growing environment for most coffee varieties.

According to recorded history, coffee has grown wild in the shade of other trees for thousands of years. It has also been cultivated according to these traditional methods for generations.

The switch to growing coffee in the sun was made because it tends to give a higher yield. Of course, this gives farmers a higher profit. But the inevitable disadvantage is that this technique requires the soil to be cleared so that coffee can be grown in rows under direct sunlight. Not stopping there, sunny varieties also need chemical fertilizers, so it is easy to lead to soil pollution.

Only since the first Sustainable Coffee Congress in 1996 has modern industry focused on returning shade grown coffee practices on ecological grounds. This landmark event brings together 270 people from 19 countries. Attendees represent the entire value chain of the Specialty coffee industry and the aim is to discuss sustainable coffee production practices.

From the conference, general guidelines for eco-friendly shade coffee were released as a reference criterion for the industry.

In general, shade grown coffees benefit from the cooler temperatures it produces. Like overhead coffee, cherries can then grow and ripen at a slower rate. This often allows for more complex sugars and lipids to be produced than in rapidly sun-dried coffee, ensuring a high-quality cup.

Shade grown coffees have higher quality than those grown in the sun

Benefit of shade grown coffees

Growing coffee in spaces that regenerate natural forests can provide many environmental benefits, for both the plant and the farmer. Not only does it help prevent erosion and landslides, but it also helps retain moisture in the soil and creates a natural habitat for insects and birds.

Furthermore, it contributes to and enhances access to deeper layers of nutrients, and also aids in carbon sequestration – possibly eight times the amount of carbon stored by plants grown in the sun.

As global temperatures continue to rise, coffee farmers are losing ground. Many coffee plant pests will gain momentum as the climate warms.

Two of the biggest problems facing coffee farmers are leaf rust and coffee beetles. They are spreading and causing more harm in warmer environments.

Previously, they were common in Central Africa. However, since the 1980s, coffee beetles have been found in all coffee-growing regions, except Hawaii, Nepal and Papua New Guinea.

The good news is that shade grown coffees agroforests support significantly larger populations of birds and bats – the best natural predators for this treatment-resistant pest.

In fact, the symbiotic link between healthy bird diversity and shade grown coffees are so strong that the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center has issued the Bird Friendly Certification. This is the only certified guarantee of shade grown coffee available globally.

Similarly, whether at higher altitudes or planted in the shade, coffee leaf rust will be prevented from spreading rapidly on farms in cooler locations.

Overall, shade grown coffees can be of better quality. Therefore, it can attract a better price in the value chain and farmers can be paid higher.

Why should roasters source shade grown coffees?

Recent surveys show that 88% of potential customers want businesses to help them improve their environmental and social impact .

Coffee is no exception. In fact, coffee drinkers are willing to pay an average of $1.36 more per pound of coffee to ensure it is produced in an environmentally friendly and ethically responsible manner.

For this reason, shade grown coffees can be very popular in the consumer market.

In contrast to intensive coffee farming practices, the environmental and ecological benefits of shade grown coffees are obvious.

Furthermore, certified bird-friendly coffee selection. Each business is also showing customers that they are unwaveringly committed to building and regenerating our planet’s ecosystem.

The “hidden yield” in the shade has brought many positive opportunities for the ecosystem in general and the sustainable coffee industry in particular. 43 Factory Coffee Roaster in an effort to join hands to create a community of coffee enthusiasts who understand the ethics and humanity in each choice. Hopefully we can give you a valuable panoramic view from a cup of coffee.