"We've noticed that supermarkets take note of Corporate Social Responsibility, as long as it's not too costly. They, thus, often choose certifications like Rainforest Alliance or organic, which don't have minimum guaranteed prices like Fairtrade bananas. That puts pressure on the Fairtrade banana market," says Luud Clercx, Project Manager at AgroFair.
That means growth is leveling off, with certification of new Fairtrade banana products even halting. That prevents a too-large supply and existing growers are also less able to sell their produce as Fairtrade. Sustainability legislation can change that. In the future, supermarkets may have to be more transparent about their chain, such as reporting their bananas' carbon footprint.
"Eventually, we expect questions to arise about the mandatory reporting by supermarkets and others. Being able to provide that data will be a plus, not least because it can help highlight a company's Corporate Social Responsibility policy. We're preparing for that by helping growers visualize that data."
Plastic use in banana cultivation
Another point of attention is the use of plastic in banana cultivation. Globally, growers use one billion plastic bags to protect banana bunches annually. That often remains on the plantations and is a risk to the environment. AgroFair has set up a project in Peru to recycle these bags into corner profiles for pallets. Though successful, the project needs to be scaled up, which requires investment.
Plastic recycling
All over the world, steps to combat plastic pollution, such as a UN treaty and the World Banana Forum's Voluntary Code of Conduct, are being taken. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) would make producers responsible for cleaning up plastic during the material's life cycle.
TR4-resistant varieties
Along with plastic use, the advancing TR4 fungus is a major challenge. In Peru, where many bananas come from, the situation is worrying. Small growers do not always work together, and high costs and lack of discipline hinder preventive measures. In some areas, the spread of TR4 could mean the end of cultivation.
The French Agricultural Research and Cooperation Organization (CIRAD) and the Peruvian Agricultural Institute (INIA) are, therefore, testing resistant banana varieties. In Peru, five new varieties that proved resistant to TR4 in Australia are being tested for agronomic properties and how well they hold up during transport. Since they differ from the familiar Cavendish bananas, their flavor, too, is being tested.
That could eventually lead to a diverse supermarket banana shelf, similar to apples and tomatoes. "If we can get the supermarkets on board – it ultimately depends on them – diversification of the banana market is the future," Luud concludes.
For more information:
Luud Clercx
AgroFair Benelux
Tel: +31 (0)180 643 900
luud.clercx@agrofair.nl
www.agrofair.nl