bee kind coffee
What is BEE KIND COFFEE
BEE KIND COFFEE is a Talo-led initiative dedicated to protecting and increasing the populations of native stingless bees on coffee farms and in surrounding areas.
Why the STINGLESS BEES:
Native stingless bees play a vital role in pollinating local trees and plants, many of which have evolved alongside these bees to ensure effective pollination and promote biodiversity. Unfortunately, their populations have been severely impacted in recent years due to climate change, habitat destruction, and the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This decline threatens not only the bees themselves but also the survival of countless native flora and fauna that depend on them.
Our goal:
At Talo, we are deeply committed to improving the livelihoods of hardworking farmers while addressing the harmful agricultural practices that have become widespread. Our goal is to restore biodiversity in these remarkable regions and create sustainable farming practices that benefit both nature and communities.
Bees that we are working with
Tetragonisca Angustula
Melipona Eburnea
Nannotrigona
This is how we do it!
We’ve partnered with Guardians de Abejas, experts in native Colombian bees, to support the planting of native flowers and the restoration of natural habitats. By reintroducing native plants and creating safe havens, we aim to foster the resurgence of stingless bee populations.
This initiative not only enhances coffee production by improving pollination during flowering—leading to better coffee yields and quality—but also ensures year-round access to flowers and shelter for native bees. Together, we’re cultivating a sustainable future for coffee farming and protecting the delicate ecosystems that make it all possible.
Fun fact about stingless bees:
Caffeine risitent: Species like Tetragonula and Melipona can exhibit some resistance to caffeine, which often interacts with coffee plants, and can tolerate certain levels of caffeine without adverse effects.
Longer tongues (proboscises): Stingless bees generally have longer tongues, which enhances their ability to forage on a diverse range of plants, making them more effective pollinators than honeybees.
Stingless bees have therapeutic honey with exotic flavours: Stingless bees produce less honey, but it is highly priced for its medicinal properties due to its high nutrient content.