The benefits are rich and rewarding

Growing coffee in harmony

2 min

A conscious coexistence

We are working alongside farmers across the globe, encouraging them to farm in ways that embrace the benefits of biodiversity. By harnessing the collective contribution made through integrating various plants, animals, insects and microorganisms as a by-product of regenerative agricultural practices, farmers can support in creating a more diverse ecosystem on their farms. For example, certain species of birds will eat insects that would otherwise damage crops.

In Vietnam some farmers practice intercropping, introducing different varieties of plants and crops in their coffee farms. One of the benefits of this is that the plants are attracting insects like bees that work with the environment to improve pollination, helping produce an ecosystem that contributes to improving the quality of their harvest. By carefully engineering and maintaining this coexistence, farmers find themselves with balanced, thriving farms.

Back to working with nature

Farmer Dương Thanh Sâm is embracing biodiversity

1|min

Attracting life

Some of the changes farmers like Dương Thanh Sâm has made in Vietnam include intercropping and using water more carefully. He’s also noticed how these practices attract animals and microorganisms to his farm, and he’s aware of the important roles they play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. “I won’t cut the chili plants in my garden because they are the favourite of birds, and after eating, the birds will begin to diffuse those chilli seeds to other places,” he mentions.

Instilling awareness

After attending our training sessions, Sâm has a greater appreciation for biodiversity, and how it contributes to soil fertility and he believes potentially even an increase in the disease-resistance of plants. He now does everything he can to maintain the well-being of his plants. “We are chomping at the bit to make a difference on our farm,” he says.

Biodiverse benefits

It’s a change in approach that embraces harmony, and has far-reaching benefits. A simple example of how biodiversity practices have been applied in Dak Lak is allowing fallen leaves and grass cover to remain on the ground which helps prevent erosion, supports the soil health and creates a suitable place for microorganisms that are beneficial to farm to thrive. “My hope for the future of biodiversity is that everyone in the community will have knowledge about it,” says Sâm.

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