Bird Friendly Coffee Seeks Place in American Market

By Danielle Trusso

(AXcess News) Washington - Most people don't associate birds with their morning cup of coffee, but scientists at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center have discovered that the connection between the two helps coffee farmers and the environment.

In 2000, the center launched the shade-grown coffee certification program to promote the growth of sustainable coffee, meaning coffee that is viable economically, environmentally and socio-culturally, said Richard Rice, a research scientist at the center.

Coffee grown in the shade of tree canopies, rather than on land cleared of other vegetation, provides a habitat for a number of species, including migratory birds, he said Thursday in a lecture at the National Zoo.

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