These farms have almost no value for wildlife and birds. Commercial farms appear very manicured, and are chemical and labor intensive. Annual yields are much higher than those of Rustic and Polyculture farms. No shade trees are present. Density of coffee trees is high, providing a high annual coffee yield.
Agrochemical inputs are very high, and management techniques are very intensive.
These farms are becoming more popular in Central and South America, since their yields are higher. Unfortunately, these increased yields come at a high price for wildlife and the long-term health of the community. The more technified the farm, the less valuable it is for wildlife. Our challenge, as conservationists, is to provide financial incentives to producers who maintain more rustic farms, balancing economic and environmental performance. But many traditional farmers are already convinced that the old ways are still the best, and even some full-sun promoters are beginning to question the effects of the transition.