Bird Friendly Coffee

The Herald Times Reporter in  Manitowoc, Wisconsin recently ran an editorial piece on Bird Friendly Coffees.  The piece is written by David Smith, co-owner of the Stumpjack Coffee Company in Two Rivers.  I'll give you the executive summary here and encourage you to read the editorial - it's a different take on coffee certification and demonstrates an interesting corelation between coffee and the nature of things.David points out that in a world "going green" and also becoming more cognizant of the needs in developing countries, that one certification growing in popularity is that of Bird Friendly coffees.  As it turns out, research by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre points to a connection between shade-grown coffee and an environment that is a haven for migratory birds.Shade-covered areas for growing coffee provide optimal conditions that eliminate the need for certain fertalizers and other chemicals prevalent in most farming areas.  When preserved, these areas provide an environment that support migratory birds.[ad#Google Adsense]I think it's fascinating where we often equate commerce with the tearing down of nature that the Bird Friendly certification means you are not only getting a quality coffee grown under optimal conditions but are supporting a part of nature.  Check out David Smith's article.