Sustainable Sips: Exploring Bird Friendly Coffee

The Valley Today

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes guests Justin Proctor, Ruth Bennett, and John Keitz for a discussion on Bird Friendly Coffee. The conversation starts with Janet introducing Justin, a conservation biologist at the Smithsonian's National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute (formerly known as Smithsonian Conservation Research Center,) who speaks about his excitement regarding bird-friendly coffee. He explains that bird-friendly coffee is an initiative by the Smithsonian to promote coffee farming that preserves habitats for birds and other wildlife.

Ruth Bennett, who heads up the Bird Friendly Coffee team, provides an in-depth explanation of what bird-friendly coffee certification entails. She describes the traditional method of growing coffee under shade canopies, which is beneficial for biodiversity, supporting a variety of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. In contrast, she explains the environmental downfalls of sun-grown coffee plantations that emerged in the 1970s.

Ruth shares that the Smithsonian developed the bird-friendly certification to reward farmers who maintain sustainable practices. This certification requires farms to preserve native tree canopies, grow organic coffee, and avoid harmful pesticides to foster a healthy habitat for wildlife. She emphasizes that the bird-friendly certification is strict and more meaningful compared to labels like 'shade-grown.'

Janet and Justin emphasize the importance of understanding coffee labels and the real impact of bird-friendly coffee. They discuss how buying bird-friendly certified coffee supports not only environmental sustainability but also improves the quality of life for coffee farmers. Ruth explains the meticulous process that goes into bird-friendly certification, ensuring that consumers can trust the label.

John Keitz, co-owner of Wuuds Coffee, shares his journey of starting the coffee business and meeting Justin at a local farmer's market. This encounter led to Wuuds Coffee becoming bird-friendly certified. John recounts how easy and beneficial the certification process was and how it aligns with their mission of conscious consumerism and environmental responsibility.

Janet, Justin, and John discuss the taste and quality of bird-friendly coffee. John assures listeners that bird-friendly coffee not only supports biodiversity but also tastes better due to its longer development under shade, free from harmful chemicals. Ruth further explains the scientific backing that bird-friendly coffee has better soil quality and beneficial microbiomes.

In conclusion, Janet encourages listeners to seek out bird-friendly certified coffee, discussing local options to obtain it.

Learn more about the bird-friendly coffee program by clicking here.

Learn more about Wuuds Coffee including where you can purchase their products and access to their social media outlets by clicking here.