From Canopy to Cup
Exploring Agroforestry in Coffee

As mentioned in our previous insight, coffee plants are fascinating species suited to thrive under forest canopy, coexisting with diverse plant life and evolving alongside surrounding biodiversity. Native to Ethiopia’s shady montane rainforests, these resilient shrubs flourish best when shielded from harsh sunlight beneath canopies formed by taller vegetation.

Here lies the core concept behind the intimate bond shared between coffee and forests: rather than clear-cutting swathes of land for monoculture (single-crop) plantations, farmers integrate their crops within a mix of other beneficial tree species. Titled ‘agroforestry’, this strategy presents an ecologically ‘robust’ alternative enabling sustainable coffee production while conserving our vital forest ecosystems.

WHAT EXACTLY IS AGROFORESTRY ??

As an European importer of specialty coffees, deeply committed to environmental stewardship and actively involved in the EU Green Deal, we look and rely on the know-how of organisations such as FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and CIFOR/ICRAF (The Center for International Forestry Research -CIFOR and World Agroforestry -ICRAF). It’s only logical and relevant that we refer to their framework when considering agroforestry.

Agroforestry, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), is a land-use system that intentionally integrates woody perennials like trees, shrubs, and palms with agricultural crops or animals on the same land. It’s considered a dynamic and ecologically based approach to natural resource management, aiming to diversify and sustain production for enhanced economic, social, and environmental benefits. This adaptable practice is widely adopted globally, with various forms tailored to local environmental, cultural, and socio-economic conditions, offering particular value to smallholder farmers.

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) define agroforestry as a land management strategy that intentionally combines trees and shrubs with agricultural crops or livestock on the same land, using various spatial and temporal arrangements. This approach aims to maximise benefits from both agriculture and forestry, improving productivity, resilience, and sustainability while offering economic, social, and environmental advantages to land users. Agroforestry practices differ greatly across landscapes and regions, reflecting local environmental conditions, cultural preferences, and socioeconomic factors.

→ Agroforestry, as mystifying as the term may initially appear, is actually enshrined in simplicity. It’s a unique holistic approach towards managing and integrating trees, crops, and livestock on the same plot of land. The primary premise behind agroforestry lies in creating a synergistic environment where each component benefits from the other. Its principles revolve around promoting biodiversity, reducing soil erosion and sequestering carbon. Moreover, it thrives on enhancing productivity through nutrient cycling and providing habitat for wildlife.

WHAT IS SHADE GROWN COFFEE? HOW TO ASSESS SHADE GROWN COFFEE? HOW DOES SHADE GROWN COFFEE RELATE TO AGROFORESTRY?

Let’s look at another definition and term interpretation. Before the concept of agroforestry was discussed in coffee, people in the industry mainly talked about shade grown coffee. But what exactly is that and how does shade grown coffee relate to agroforestry?

Shade-grown coffee involves cultivating coffee under a diverse canopy of shade trees, effectively integrating agriculture with forest ecosystems, making it a type of agroforestry.
There are different types of ‘shade’, this can vary from monoculture shade to multi-layered different shade systems.
An effective method for assessing the ‘diversity’ of shade is by assessing both the percentage of shadow coverage and the different types and levels of shadow present. The number of shadow layers (in height) and the diversity of shadow types within these layers (in width) are key factors in determining the ecological value of shade-grown coffee systems.

To interpret the ecological significance of shade coffee, it is essential to consider technical details such as the percentage of shade and the biodiversity within the shade coffee system.
The advantages of traditional shade-friendly coffees have long been recognised for their significant benefits. However, a fresh perspective in the discussion involves broadening our understanding of how to achieve a harmonious balance between nature and agricultural production, benefiting economies, communities, and the planet alike.

→ Shade-grown coffee exemplifies a sustainable agroforestry practice where coffee plants thrive under the canopy of diverse trees. The shade not only protects the coffee crop from extreme weather conditions but also encourages a more gradual maturation of coffee cherries, resulting in improved flavour profiles. This method fosters biodiversity by creating a habitat for various species, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

AGROFORESTRY IN THE COFFEE VALUE CHAIN| BENEFITS

Agroforestry not only offers numerous ecological benefits for coffee production,

Improved Soil Health and Fertility: Agroforestry systems enhance soil fertility by integrating shade trees that replenish nutrients and create organic matter, reducing erosion and retaining moisture for robust coffee plant growth.
Increased Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Agroforestry supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including pollinators, natural predators, and wildlife, which contribute to crop yield and pest control, while also attracting eco-tourism.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Agroforestry acts as a carbon sink, absorbing CO₂and greenhouse gases, while shade trees protect coffee plants from extreme weather events, helping them adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Pest and disease control: Ecological diversity supports natural pest predators and some tree species act as repellents or bio-pesticides, reducing reliance on chemical inputs.

it also offers many social and economic benefits for both farmer and roaster

Cultural resilience/Cultural heritage preservation: Agroforestry practices frequently harmonise with traditional knowledge and cultural customs, nurturing a feeling of community ownership and heritage preservation. By engaging with the land through agroforestry, social ties are reinforced, and cultural values are upheld, fostering a comprehensive strategy for sustainable land stewardship.
Enhanced Quality/Flavour Diversity: Agroforestry can provide coffee plants with shade from the sun, subsequently lowering temperatures. This in turn slows down the cherry maturation phase as the coffee grows, allowing more sugars, lipids, and desirable volatile flavour compounds to develop. Ultimately, this means that once the coffee is processed, dried, and roasted, it is more likely to boast a greater number of sweet and complex flavour notes.
Sustainable resource management: Integration of trees diversifies income sources for farmers, promoting economic stability while preserving the environment for future generations.
Differentiated market & increased coffee value chain : As agroforestry helps to improve quality as well as boasting environmental improvements, there is more likely to be a differentiated market. This means that there’s a higher chance that farmers will be able to receive premium prices for these coffees.

AGROFORESTRY IN THE COFFEE VALUE CHAIN| CHALLENGES

AGROFORESTRY & THE FUTURE OF COFFEE | COMPLEX PARADOX

In light of the escalating global demand for coffee, the urgent need to enhance coffee production while addressing climate change is undeniable. Agroforestry introduces a nuanced dimension to the future of coffee cultivation.

On one hand, integrating trees into coffee farming holds the promise of addressing numerous industry challenges, including improving soil health, fostering biodiversity, and enhancing resilience to climate variability. However, transitioning to agroforestry requires substantial investments and changes in farming practices, presenting significant financial and operational obstacles, especially for small-scale farmers. Striking a delicate balance between the potential benefits and practical challenges poses a complex dilemma for the coffee industry.

Nevertheless, despite these hurdles, embracing agroforestry offers the prospect not only of mitigating risks but also of fostering long-term sustainability and prosperity. Through coordinated efforts to overcome these challenges, the coffee industry can chart a path towards a future where coffee production not only meets global demand but also serves as a model of environmental stewardship and community well-being.

STANDARDS FOR AGROFORESTRY IN COFFEE

Independent certification offers value and assurance to buyers and roasters. At Cuprima we recognize the importance of this independent certification; we also have independently certified coffees in our assortment.

Even sometimes -thanks to our close collaboration with our producer partners, we can go even beyond independent labels and certifications. Some of our producer partners are developing extensive programs focused on coffee growing and its broader positive impact on people and the environment. These science-based approaches, comprehensive programs and proven positive outcomes from rigorously followed techniques allow us to advance the value of coffee beyond conventional certification standards.

INDEPENDENT CERTIFICATION
When examining agroforestry in coffee production, the Rainforest Alliance certification program holds significance due to its promotion of sustainable practices that align with agroforestry principles. This certification guarantees that coffee is cultivated in a way that fosters biodiversity, safeguards ecosystems, and positively impacts local communities.

Rainforest Alliance Certification Program

The Rainforest Alliance has requirements concerning human rights, whereas the Bird Friendly® certification is primarily focused on protecting and preserving habitats in which birds can thrive.

The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organisation (NGO) with over 30 years’ experience that works in more than 80 countries around the globe to help protect the environment, conserve biodiversity and promote the rights and well-being of workers, their families and communities.
Certification by the Rainforest Alliance does mandate some level of shade cover, which can be as low as 15% of the land area. For coffee farms, Rainforest Alliance certification requires the farm to have at least 12 different species of native trees on the cultivated land, and the crop needs to have about 40% canopy coverage.
The Rainforest Alliance certification also has human rights requirements, ensuring that coffee is produced ethically and with fair labor practices.
Rainforest Alliance certification may be best identified by its green frog seal, which designates ‘that a farm, forest, or tourism enterprise has been audited to meet standards that require environmental, social, and economic sustainability.’
In 2018, RA merged with UTZ, a leading European certifier for coffee, tea, cocoa and hazelnuts, whereby together both organisations intend to scale their resources to address climate change, social inequity, rural poverty, and biodiversity loss.

The Rainforest Alliance label offers several key takeaways regarding agroforestry and coffee cultivation:

Environmental Stewardship: The certification encourages sustainable farming practices that promote biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation, aligning with the principles of agroforestry.
Shade-Grown Coffee: Similar to the Bird Friendly® label, Rainforest Alliance certification often requires coffee to be grown under shade trees, supporting agroforestry systems that mimic natural forest habitats.
Ecosystem Protection: By promoting forest conservation and the preservation of natural habitats, the Rainforest Alliance label emphasizes the importance of agroforestry in safeguarding ecosystems and mitigating climate change.
Community Engagement: The certification may include criteria related to social responsibility, such as fair labor practices and community development initiatives, which are integral aspects of sustainable agroforestry practices.

BEYOND CERTIFICATION
Our best example –our best in class ‘beyond certification is our partner Inconexus ‘ Sol Naciente Program.

Through its Sol Naciente program, our partner producer aims to inspire farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices, revitalizing soil resources and restoring the dynamics of the coffee agroforestry system in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This involves:

Agroforestry and water source protection: Shaded coffee plantations mimic protective forests, regulating water, stabilizing soil, and suppressing weed growth. By reforesting with native species and conserving forest reserves, we diversify shade within coffee plantations, purify water sources, and reduce water consumption through SMART water treatment systems.
Agroforestry for shade preservation: Coffee’s native habitat was the forest understory, where it thrived in shaded environments. Planting coffee alongside shade trees facilitates calmer photosynthesis, resulting in more defined flavour profiles.
Agroforestry for soil protection: Diverse agroforestry systems enrich soil microorganisms, ensuring continuous organic material decomposition and mineralization. This dynamic soil regeneration fosters regenerative agriculture and supports coffee quality through enhanced soil health.
Agroforestry for conservation: Tree planting mitigates erosion, promotes biodiversity, and enhances fauna and flora diversity, naturally controlling pests and reducing the need for chemical inputs.
Agroforestry’s social and economic impact: Emphasizing coffee plantation pruning over renovation maintains productivity while promoting food crop diversification. This reduces dependency on external inputs, lowers chemical expenses, and increases income opportunities, fostering social and economic resilience among farmers.

In essence, the Sol Naciente program incorporates effective field practices to advance towards sustainable agriculture. Through the adoption of innovative techniques and a focus on agroforestry, the goal is to foster environmental, economic, and social benefits, ultimately paving the path towards agricultural self-sufficiency and comprehensive sustainability.