Shade-growing not only allows the coffee cherries to ripen slowly and gently, it also makes coffee cultivation sustainable for the farmer & community by providing foods along with cash crops.

Coffee and shade trees support each other. Coffee’s wide shallow roots create a mesh that helps hold topsoil in place. Trees with deeper roots like banana & plantain bring water closer to the surface.  Taller fruit trees contribute shade that the others need.  Shade-growing coffee helps communities improve their ecosystems as trees become valuable components.