In the world of coffee certifications, there’s one that soars above the rest—literally.
The Smithsonian Bird Friendly certification is the gold standard when it comes to protecting our feathered friends and other wildlife while ensuring your coffee is both delicious and environmentally responsible.
But what does it take for a coffee farm to earn this prestigious certification from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC)?
Well, as you will see, they don't just hand out certifications to anyone with a few trees on their farm. It's incredibly difficult to meet all their standards, with less than 1% of coffee farms worldwide earning it.
Here are 8 requirements coffee farms need to satisfy:
#1. Shade-Grown or Bust
The first major requirement? Shade!
Unlike conventional coffee farms that clear large areas of land, Bird Friendly coffee must be grown under a lush, diverse canopy of trees.
In fact, Smithsonian-certified farms must maintain a minimum of 40% shade cover, which is measured during the dry season AFTER pruning.
Shade-grown coffee has many benefits, both for wildlife AND the taste of your coffee. :)
#2. The height of the canopy matters!
To obtain Bird Friendly certification, the main canopy that provides shade to the coffee beans has to be at least 12 feet (4m) high.
And as it's worded by the Smithsonian, the canopy must be "made by a native 'backbone' species' to the region.
#3. Diversity is Key
As we have learned so far, a coffee farm must have 40% foliage cover provided by a canopy at least 12 feet (4m) high.
But, another requirement is both the diversity of the tree species and strata (layers of the trees).
Floristic diversity of trees and wood shrubs:
To obtain Bird Friendly certification, a coffee farm must have at least ten other woody species present in addition to the native backbone species mentioned above.
The Smithsonian also notes that at least ten of these species need to represent MORE than 1% of all individuals sampled AND be scattered across their land. This requirement is important, so a farm doesn't plant a bunch of different trees in a corner of the property just to meet the requirement of tree diversity.
Structural diversity of the trees:
To obtain certification, the Smithsonian likes to see different layers of trees, preferably three.
- First, they look at the canopy layer formed by the native backbone species and other trees of that size, which need to be at least 12 feet (4m) in height.
- Next, they look at the stratum of taller, emergent species, comprised of native trees. This is the topmost layer, made up of trees that rise above the canopy.
- Lastly, below the canopy of the backbone species is the sub-canopy and understory. These layers are made up of smaller trees, shrubs, and other plants.
Ideally, the emergent layer and the sub-canopy/understory should each account for 20% of the total foliage present. The principal canopy made of the backbone species and other trees should represent the remaining foliage (~60%).
#4. Buffer zones around waterways
The Smithsonian finds it very important to provide buffer zones, comprised of native vegetation, around any streams or rivers on the property.
- Streams need a minimum of a 16-foot (5m) buffer zone on both sides.
- Rivers require at least 33 feet (10m) on both sides.
Waterways need buffer zones to protect water quality by filtering pollutants from runoff, preventing erosion of the shoreline, providing habitat for wildlife, and mitigating flooding by slowing down water flow.
#5. Leaf litter!
There is no specific percentage required by the Smithsonian, but leaf litter needs to be present. The reason for leaf litter is that it helps protect the soil!
#6. Living fences should be present
A living fence is a barrier made of living plants, such as trees, shrubs, and vines, rather than traditional wooden or wire fencing.
They also offer a range of ecological and economic benefits, such as:
- Protecting the coffee plants from the wind and acting as a barrier to soil erosion.
- Providing shelter and food sources for birds and pollinators.
- Offering extra income for farmers. Some trees and shrubs used in these fences grow fruit, nuts, or medicinal plants, while others can be used for firewood or building materials.
#7. Must have organic certification
Pesticides and synthetic fertilizers may boost yields, but they can also wreak havoc on birds, insects, and soil health.
That's why to qualify to be Bird Friendly, a coffee farm must have current organic certification by a USDA-accredited certification agency.
But getting certified organic is no joke. The USDA has its own set of requirements that need to be met. There are also fees for the inspection and application that need to be paid, in addition to ongoing compliance costs. The exact amount varies between the size and complexity of each farm, but it usually runs several thousand dollars.
#8. Lastly, get certified as Bird Friendly by a coffee certification agency
Finally, we have reached the last step to becoming Bird Friendly.
Once a coffee farm thinks it has met all of the requirements above, it can apply for certification to a qualified agency. After receiving the application, the agency will send out an inspector who has been trained by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center on how to evaluate their standards.
If the farm passes inspection, it is issued the Bird Friendly certificate! Moving forward, an inspector will visit once a year to verify whether the SMBC criteria for shade-grown coffee is still being met.
Of course, there are significant costs the coffee farm has to pay to the certification agency, including application fees, inspection fees, and certification fees, along with transportation and travel costs to the inspector that visits.
The Science Behind the Seal
The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center doesn’t just hand out certifications to anyone with a few trees on their farm.
As you can see, to earn the Bird Friendly seal, farms undergo rigorous inspections by trained scientists and conservationists who measure shade cover, plant diversity, and overall ecosystem health.
There are also significant costs and fees involved. There are many farms out there that meet the environmental standards but don't want to pay to get certified, either because they can't afford it or don't think it's worth the cost.
It’s not an easy certification to achieve. Less than 1% of coffee produced is certified, but for those who do, it’s a badge of honor.
Why It Matters (and Why Your Morning Coffee Choice Counts)
By choosing Bird Friendly coffee, you’re voting with your wallet for a future where coffee and conservation go hand in hand. It means supporting farmers who are dedicated to sustainable practices, protecting habitats for countless species, and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the sight and sound of birds in our forests and backyards.
So, next time you’re shopping for coffee, look for the Smithsonian Bird-Friendly seal. Not only will you be getting a superior, shade-grown brew, but you’ll also be making a real difference for the birds, the forests, and the planet.
If you want to try our different Bird Friendly coffee, check out our BF bundle! You save 10% and get free shipping. :)