Shade coffee farming preserves diversity

Big News Network.com

U.S. researchers said certifying shade-grown coffee can be used as a tool to preserve biodiversity.

As coffee drinking continues to grow in popularity, it has created a niche market for shade grown varieties. Numerous certification programs now exist for shade coffee grown on farms that protect biodiversity, leaving more plants intact than farming for sun-favoring varieties.

University of Michigan researchers said the certification programs can be linked to conservation efforts such as those protecting butterflies and birds in Chiapas, Mexico.

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