biophysical criteria (vegetation cover, structural diversity, floristic diversity, soil management, vegetational buffer zones); processing; drying; packaging; storage; labelling; transportation; records; internal control system.

The criteria applied in the field for "Bird Friendly®" coffee are aimed at the following:

• Guaranteeing environmental sustainability, with the aim of protecting and/or improving the ecological indicators of environmental health. 
• Protecting structural as well as species biodiversity, in order to guarantee shelter and food for birds, especially migratory ones. 
• Taking into consideration that coffee cultivation must be integrated into agroforestry systems. 
• Keeping in mind that the forest transformed for coffee production must not be part of any protected zone or natural reserve. 
• Guaranteeing that the application of production techniques must leave intact specific ecosystems and contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. 
• Permitting cultural practices involving the use of epiphytes for ceremonial or festive purposes. 
• Keeping documentation describing the unit and demonstrating the management of the plantation and shade.

The certification period applied to shade cover on Bird Friendly® farms is three years. Certification handled through independent third-party certificators.