“Birds and Coffee,” organic and Bird Friendly

Our “Birds and Coffee” project has succeeded in its goal of engaging 39 coffee growers in the idea of win-win agroforestry to benefit both wildlife and their bottom lines!  Together with the growers recently formed the Civil Association of Agroforestry Producers – Piedra de Cachimbo and Florida (ACAFLO, in Spanish) – which serves as a formal organization to support and accompany the organic and Smithsonian Bird Friendly ® certification process for coffee crops. All members are committed to implementing organic and biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices.

In December 2019, all 39 farms (165.42 hectares) obtained Organic Certification compliant with the US standard (USDA-NOP) and the Organic Standard of the European Economic Community (EEC). Additionally, 13 out of these 39 farms obtained Bird-Friendly ® certification, following the standards of the Smithsonian Institution. This achievement is a valuable business opportunity that enhances coffee profits and conserves habitat for Red Siskins and other species.

By 2021, we aim to expand the project’s impact area to 400 hectares by establishing model plots in adjacent areas and expanding the training and technical assistance program that we started in 2017. Likewise, we will help organize outreach events that bring local environmentally-minded buyers together with ACAFLO producers, to promote their organic products.