Choice of coffee can contribute to saving wildlife

By: Jerry Walls, Guest columnist September 13, 2003

Do you want to enjoy your coffee and contribute to saving populations of birds and other important species of wildlife? Consider purchasing and drinking shade-grown coffee.

Shade-grown coffee is a general term used to describe certain common aspects to the traditional coffee farms in the Americas and other parts of the world. Certain Arabica coffees and a few Robusta coffees continue to be grown under the canopy shade of trees vs. out in open, sun-drenched fields. Shade moderates the amount of heat and light reaching the coffee plants. Some experts also say that the shade retains the growing integrity of the soil with regard to moisture, nutrients and other key growing factors.

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