Pictures of Costa Rica Plantations... Sustainable Coffee...

Costa Rica coffee is produced on coffee plantations that conserve the ecosystems and wildlife and have a high biological diversity. Various species of trees are planted adjacent to the coffee plants to provide 20% to 50% shade. These shade trees provide many environmental benefits. The decomposed leaves produce organic matter that replenish the soil. Mature shade trees provide deep root systems that hold soils in place, helping to reduce erosion on steep-sloped plantations. And, the shade trees mimic natural forest and provide wildlife habitat.

Some of the shade trees planted are citrus, bananas and palm trees which provide a ready source of food and/or income to farmers when harvested during periods when coffee is not being harvested.