Banana producers across Latin America are urging international markets to increase purchase prices to combat the devastating financial and operational impacts of the current "super" El Niño weather event. As extreme weather patterns disrupt harvests, industry leaders warn that the long-term viability of the banana trade is at risk.
Climate-Driven Production Declines
Extreme weather, including heavy rainfall in Ecuador and Peru and high winds in Colombia, has caused significant drops in banana yields. Data from the Association of Banana Growers of Magdalena and La Guajira indicates that Colombian exports fell by 32% between July and September, with September shipments alone plummeting 42% compared to the previous year. These losses are compounded by rising costs for labor, fertilizer, and fuel, while supermarket prices for consumers have remained largely stagnant for decades.
Calls for Structural Reform
The Fairtrade Foundation is calling for UK legislation to curb unfair trading practices, such as late payments and contracts that shift climate-related risks onto farmers. While some retailers have adopted voluntary Fairtrade sourcing—which guarantees a minimum price—advocates argue that systemic change is necessary to ensure producers can invest in climate-resilient infrastructure.
“The UK’s banana supply depends on the people growing our bananas having the resources they need to adapt to climate change,” said Eleanor Harrison, chief executive of Fairtrade. Industry representatives emphasize that the future of the sector depends on purchasing practices that reflect the true, sustainable cost of production, including environmental management and fair wages for workers.
