The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said countries should pursue variety diversification as a key strategy to ensure the future of banana trade, as the Cavendish variety is vulnerable to Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4).
FAO noted that the spread of diseases is a big concern in the sector. In 2019, TR4 reached several countries in Latin America after many years of spreading worldwide.
“However, acceptance by retailers and consumers of different varieties remains a challenge,” FAO Director General Qu Dongyu said in his opening remarks to the recently concluded 4th Global Conference of The World Banana Forum (WBF).
Participants to the WBF, which was hosted by the UN agency, discussed challenges faced by banana producers, including the impacts of the climate crisis, high energy and fertilizer costs, and the spread of the destructive TR4.
“Bananas are among the most produced, traded and consumed fruits globally, with more than 1000 varieties produced worldwide they provide vital nutrients to many populations.”
Qu noted that the banana sector is particularly significant in some of the least developed and low-income food-deficit countries, where it contributes not only to household food security as a staple, but also to job creation and income generation as a cash crop.
“Income from growing bananas can account for up to three quarters of the total monthly household income for smallholder farmers and generate over $10 billion in export revenues annually, the bulk of which accrues to developing countries.”
The conference is aimed at finding ways to boost the banana sector, which faces several constraints including high costs of transportation, energy, and inputs, in particular fertilizer prices, and the spread TR4.
In response to the various constraints, the sector should “turn these challenges into opportunities through close collaboration by partners across the banana sector,” Qu said. He called for all stakeholders to work together to boost investments and adopt more sustainable production practices.
As high inflation has reduced the purchasing power of consumers placing bananas under an increasing competition from various tropical fruits, Qu said better market access will require “substantial investment of resources, including financial.”
The forum also highlighted the impact on the sector of high transportation costs and shipping disruptions in various areas of the world, including in the Black Sea, Red Sea and Panama Canal, caused by conflicts, geopolitical tensions and low water levels.
In terms of market access, FAO said stringent requirements can make the production and export of bananas more complicated. These cover a range of aspects, including fruit quality, pesticide residue levels, and environmental and social sustainability, and affect smaller players in the market disproportionately.
“However, they may also offer producers opportunities for enhancing their operations, brand reputation and market access, with the needed substantial investments of time and resources.”
The forum, which was established in 2009, offers its members a range of tools and resources to help the sector become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. These include a practical tool for measuring carbon and water footprints, being piloted in nine countries and a Banana Occupational Health and Safety Initiative, being implemented in Ecuador and Cameroon.