The demands of the modern world are seemingly non-stop. To keep up, about 75% of adults in Canada consume coffee on a daily basis. But how sustainable are the plants behind the coffee? Shade-grown coffee has been shown to be more environmentally beneficial while simultaneously capturing a richer flavour.

Sun-grown coffee refers to coffee plants that are grown in broad sunlight. In Central America alone, the growth of coffee has cleared 2.5 million acres of deforestation – and the consumption of a single cup of coffee is approximately equal to the destruction of one square inch of forestation. The faster growth time of sun-grown coffee makes it a popular choice amongst farmers. However, this exposed approach to farming also leaves crops vulnerable to pests, forcing farmers to use harmful, toxic anti-pesticides. The lack of shade also contributes to climate warming and requires more water to sustain.

On the other hand, shade-grown coffee is the result of farming the plants under the canopy of trees, maintaining natural ecosystems and the nutrients in the soil. Naturally, the plant thrives in shaded areas and as such, shade-grown coffee beans are typically bigger, more plentiful, and have a deeper, richer taste.

According to a study from the University of British Columbia, recent years have seen the North American bird population dwindle down by 2.9 billion, largely due to rising rates of deforestation. The destruction of bird habitats can be partially attributed to sun-grown coffee practices. By contrast, shade-grown coffee preserves habitats for a diverse ecosystems, including both non-migratory and migratory birds. The canopy of trees shade-grown coffee entails not only provides a safe haven for birds and other organisms, but helps retain the moisture and nutrient-rich soil, fostering better growth and ultimately, better tasting coffee.

For years, the coffee industry has been disrupting a delicate balance in forest ecosystems. To ensure both quality and sustainability of your coffee, do a little research on your local coffee shop; look out for labels that indicate shade-grown coffee such as bird-friendly or certified organic.

Works cited:
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“Environmental Effects of Coffee Production.” The World Counts,
www.theworldcounts.com/challenges/consumption/foods-and-beverages/environmental-e
ffects-of-coffee-production.
Carnahan, Danielle. “The Environmental Impact of Sun-Grown vs. Shade-Grown Coffee.” The
Call to Conserve, 12 Sept. 2022,
www.thecalltoconserve.com/blog/coffee#:~:text=The%20soil%20cannot%20maintain%2
0its,smaller%20and%20have%20less%20flavor.
Craig, Julia, et al. “Birds and Coffee, the Perfect Blend: Exploring the Perspective Of …”
Sustain.Ubc.Ca, 12 May 2021,
sustain.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/seedslibrary/RES_510_Birds%20and%20coffee_the%20
perfect%20blend_FinalReport.pdf.
Madeleine. “What Is Bird Friendly Coffee?” Birds and Beans Coffee Roasters, 23 Sept. 2020,
birdsandbeans.ca/what-is-bird-friendly-coffee/#:~:text=All%20Bird%20Friendly%20coff
ee%20is,on%20Bird%20Friendly%20criteria%20here.

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