A vibrant toucan perches on a branch amidst lush green foliage. The bird's striking colors, with its yellow chest and brightly colored beak, contrast beautifully against the surrounding leaves.

CERTIFICATION

SMBC Bird-Friendly

Coffee grown for biodiversity.

Shade-grown coffee that protects bird habitats, biodiversity, and healthy forest ecosystems.
Coffee grown for biodiversity.

WHAT IS BIRD-FRIENDLY?

A standard where coffee and wildlife thrive together.

Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certification is built on decades of scientific research showing that coffee grown beneath diverse shade trees can provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife. Certified farms use organic management, conserve habitat, and protect biodiversity through shade-grown agroforestry or forest conservation practices.

A bee is seen perched on the petals of a purple flower, wings slightly outspread, in this eye-level shot. The bee, with its fluffy body, is the primary focus, and the vibrant purple of the flower contrasts beautifully with the light, blurred greens and whites of the background.

WHY IT MATTERS

Better for birds. Better for biodiversity.

Healthy Habitat

Diverse shade trees create habitat where birds and other wildlife can find food, shelter, and places to thrive.

Bird Conservation

Bird Friendly farms provide important habitat for migratory and resident birds within tropical coffee landscapes.

Biodiversity

Diverse coffee-growing environments support a wider range of plants, birds, insects, and other wildlife.

Protected Habitats

Bird Friendly farms maintain organic practices and prevent deforestation, protecting healthy, thriving landscapes for people and wildlife.

DID YOU KNOW?

Bird Friendly farms can support up to four times as many birds as coffee monocultures.

Smithsonian research has found that farms meeting the Bird Friendly standard can conserve up to four times as many birds as coffee and cocoa monocultures. Diverse shade trees also provide ecosystem services such as pest control and soil nutrient replenishment.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What is Bird Friendly® coffee?

Bird Friendly® coffee is coffee produced under the Smithsonian Bird Friendly certification program. The standard is based on scientific research and requires practices that protect bird habitat, biodiversity, and healthy coffee-growing landscapes.

Does Bird Friendly coffee have to be organic?

Yes. Organic certification is a requirement of the Bird Friendly standard. Organic management helps maintain insects and other organisms that are important parts of the food web, including food sources for birds.

What makes coffee Bird Friendly?

Bird Friendly coffee must meet requirements designed to conserve habitat and biodiversity. For the agroforestry pathway, certified coffee farms maintain an average of at least 40% shade, at least 10 tree species per hectare, and a majority of native trees. Farms must also demonstrate no deforestation within the previous 10 years.

Why does shade matter for birds?

Shade-grown coffee provides a more diverse habitat than simplified coffee monocultures. Smithsonian research found substantially more birds on shade-grown coffee farms, demonstrating the role these landscapes can play in supporting biodiversity.

Why does certification matter for coffee?

Certifications help create a more transparent coffee supply chain by recognizing farmers and producers who follow responsible practices. They allow customers to make informed choices while supporting better environmental stewardship, ethical sourcing, and long-term coffee sustainability.

How does this certification benefit coffee farmers?

Many certification programs support farmers through improved farming practices, access to better markets, environmental initiatives, and recognition for the extra work required to meet higher standards. These programs help strengthen farming communities and promote long-term sustainability.

Does certification affect the taste of coffee?

Certification does not determine flavor alone, but the practices behind many certifications can contribute to better coffee quality. Responsible farming methods, healthy soil, careful harvesting, and improved processing often help preserve the coffee’s natural characteristics and unique origin profile.

How does Artizan Coffee ensure certified coffees meet requirements?

We work with trusted coffee partners and producers who provide certification documentation and traceability information. Each certified coffee is carefully selected to ensure it aligns with our commitment to quality, transparency, and responsible sourcing.