Augura’s Emerson Aguirre warns that more producers will leave the sector unless Europe’s retailers meet their obligations
Colombia’s banana sector has once again called for European retailers to pay a fair price for the fruit in recognition of moves by the industry to become more socially and environmentally sustainable.
“Colombia has lost 2,300ha of banana production in the last two years. If the situation continues then more producers will leave the sector and food security will be impacted,” Augura’s president, Emerson Aguirre, told Fruitnet.
Speaking at this month’s Fruit Attraction trade fair in Madrid, Aguirre pointed out that 92 per cent of Colombia’s banana workers are unionised, and salary levels are the highest in the agricultural sector. “The Colombian banana represents a success story that deserves to be recognised in Europe,” he noted.
Augura points out that while other fruits, such as apples and mandarins, have seen an increase in their prices, banana prices have remained stable. “The sector has established a unique model of collective bargaining, promoting social dialogue that guarantees decent wages and fair working conditions. With the threat of a fungus that has damaged thousands of hectares since 2019, the commitment to sustainability and joint work with the authorities is more crucial than ever,” it said.
The banana sector is crucial for the Colombian economy. Aguirre highlighted its positive impact on the economic stability and well-being of the industry’s 50,000 directly employed workers, noting that in regions such as Urabá, it is also a major employer of ex-combatants from the country’s bloody civil conflict.
“It is time for Europe to recognise the social and economic impact of Colombian bananas and act accordingly,” he said.
According to Augura, Colombian banana exports are on course to grow by 5 per cent this year following last year’s dip in productivity. Between January and July 2024, shipments reached more than 63.7mn boxes, an increase of 10mn boxes compared to the same period of the previous year. In value terms, exports increased by 15.8 per cent from US$510.6mn to US$591.5mn.
The organisation also highlighted the threat posed by Fusarium Wilt TR4. “This disease particularly affects Colombia, where 19 cases have been confirmed as of May 2024 and where strict quarantine measures have been implemented, with 3,927ha under control,” it said.
“Despite these challenges, the Colombian banana sector continues to work towards a future where labour sustainability and a fair price go hand in hand, ensuring the well-being of communities and the quality of their products.”
