The United Nations defines sustainable development as: "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

In other words, contribute to the sustainability of your environment by nurturing it and adding to it, not by tearing it down and polluting it. Christopher Bean is dedicated to the sustainability of the small farm coffee growers throughout the world—particularly those who live and farm in The Tropics. Generations of coffee farmers have worked the mountainous terrain in these countries for centuries, and this is where some of the oldest and finest coffee beans are grown as nature intended: in the shade.

Shade-grown coffee is grown under the leafy canopy of the indigenous trees of various regions. It is a highly sustainable crop and is the livelihood of over 25 million small farm coffee growers.  The Rainforest Alliance certifies the sustainable production of coffee and other products in collaboration with the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN). Parallel goals between the organizations along with Fair Trade, ensures coffee farmers and growers are treated fairly, receive fair wages, and can enjoy a higher quality of life for future generations of coffee growers.  Organic coffee is grown without the use of pesticides and using only natural fertilizers.

Coffee grown in shade is quickly gaining notoriety again as it focuses our attention on the importance of our rainforests. Sustainability serves to supply you with the inherent quality of the bean as it grows in its natural habitat. Sustainability leaves the trees intact after harvest and will allow farmers to plant even more trees as the demand for high-quality coffee beans goes up. Fewer agrochemicals are needed and this cuts down on pollution of wildlife and water sources. Farmers can continue to use the locals for labor and this boosts the surrounding economy. 

The world’s poorest coffee farmers across the globe live their passion each day through producing the finest coffee beans in the same way their fathers taught them and their fathers before them. Christopher Bean is passionate about working hand-in-hand with them so we can continue to bring you some of the finest coffees in the world. It is stunning to think that nearly 25 million farmers depend on the income they receive from growing coffee; it is awesome that we can contribute to the sustainable development of these small coffee farms for generations to come.