One of the most frequent questions we receive here at Café Campesino is whether our coffees are certified shade-grown. Certifications are chosen, paid for, and managed by our farmer-partners and they choose them based on expense and return on investment. The two most popular are organic and fair trade certifications— they have the best return for the work and investment. However, just because organic arabica coffee is not certified shade-grown, that does not mean that it is not grown under a multi-layered shade canopy– it most certainly is.
1: Shade-Grown Coffee Ecosystems
The link between organic coffee production and shade-grown coffee production is an important one, as shade is necessary to grow coffee organically. Organic coffee production relies on natural pest management techniques, such as the use of birds and insects to control pests. This can only be achieved in a healthy and diverse ecosystem, which is provided by shade-grown coffee.
2: Pest Management
When coffee is grown in direct sunlight, it is more susceptible to pests and diseases. This can lead to the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, which can have negative impacts on both the environment and the health of coffee farmers. However, by growing coffee under a canopy of trees, farmers can provide a more diverse ecosystem that supports natural pest management techniques.
3: Water Conservation
Shade-grown coffee also helps to prevent soil erosion and conserves water, which is important for organic farming. The shade provided by the trees helps to retain moisture in the soil, which reduces the need for irrigation. This not only conserves water but also helps to maintain healthy soil, which is essential for organic farming.
4: Crop Diversification
Furthermore, shade-grown coffee is often grown alongside other crops, such as bananas or citrus, which can provide additional income for farmers. This helps to promote diversification and resilience in the farming communities who often face challenges with food security.
Conclusion
The link between organic coffee production and shade-grown coffee production is an important one. By providing a healthy and diverse ecosystem, shade-grown coffee supports natural pest management techniques and helps to conserve water and soil. This is essential for organic farming and helps to promote sustainable and resilient farming communities.
When you buy Café Campesino coffee you can rest assured that all of the coffee we roast is as produced as sustainably as it can possibly be.
