Sun vs Shade?   Shade Grown Coffee Sun Grown Coffee Migratory & native birds find shelter in their forest canopy. Shade trees protect, from rain & sun, maintain soil quality & aid in natural pest control. These farms use no chemicals, maintaining water quality & quantity. This coffee is cultivated in a way that protects biodiversity. Shade grown plants produce beans for up to 50 years. 90% fewer bird species found on these farms. Requires year round labor that includes chemical fertilizers & pesticides. Lack of trees leads to great soil erosion, and toxic runoff, endangering people & wildlife. Sun grown plants produce beans for 10-15 years.