Finding Parrot Friendly Coffee

Last month this column discussed the relationship between how coffee is grown and its impact on parrot species indigenous to the area. You learned how shade grown coffee was instrumental in the recovery of the Yellow-eared Parrot (Yellow-eared conure - Ognorhynchus icterotis), and how the agricultural practices of coffee plantations and farms, either supports the biodiversity of a region or completely destroys it. With the conservation of wild parrots being close to our hearts, the link between coffee and parrot conservation was born.

What is Shade Grown Coffee?

Shade grown coffee employes specific agriculture practices that support the ecological biodiversity of an area, provides foraging and nesting areas for numerous wild parrot species. Presently there are no mutually agreed upon standards for identifying and certifying agricultural practices that benefit and enhance ecological biodiversity in shade grown coffee farms and plantations. However, there are three important qualifications to look for when selecting coffee that helps, rather than harms the environment. Your coffee must be Triple Certified - Organic, Fair Trade and Shade Grown.

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