Bird Friendly® from the Galapagos Island of San Cristobal
The staff of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) is happy to announce that one of the latest origins to join the Bird Friendly® (BF) program hails from the Galapagos Islands, an important site in the history of science. It was in the Galapagos, of course, that Charles Darwin observed a number of finch species, studies that later helped him develop his ideas and theories on the role of natural selection and evolution.
Known as "Hacienda El Cafetal", this farm's certification as BF links the coffee, our research staff, and the consumers who drink it with the site where one of history's giant thinkers made tremendous contributions to science.
The farm in question lies nestled on the island of San Cristobal, with nearly 300 hectares of coffee certified as Bird Friendly®. From a history written about the farm, here's what the farm owners have to say about its location:
"San Cristobal, one of the largest islands and capital of the province that constitutes the Galapagos Archipelago, is the only one that enjoys an abundance of fresh spring water. Small rivers fed by the "El Junco", a volcanic crater lake, which lies 1,350 feet above sea level, flow gently down the rocky slopes on the island's sun drenched southern side. This mineral rich spring water keeps the rich volcanic soil moist and fertile, bringing life to the island. The misty interior and cold Humboldt Current enhance the floristic diversity of this unique island."
While the absolute elevation of the coffee ranges just under 500 meters above sea level, the microclimatic effects of the cold ocean currents mimic an equivalent elevation of 1200 to 1300 meters according to the farm staff. The type of coffee grown on the farm is bourbon, one of coffee's more treasured heirloom varieties, highly prized for its flavor complexities.
SMBC is delighted to have this new producer involved with the BF program and looks forward to a long relationship that will help safeguard habitat, benefit the various parties involved, and protect birds through this linking of good land stewardship to the marketplace.
Contact information for this farm:
