With a notable presence in the global market, Ecuador's banana sector, a leading exporter, is initiating "Safe Farms," a security protocol to mitigate the rising crime wave. This plan draws inspiration from Colombia's methods of safeguarding its coffee and banana plantations. In Ecuador, criminal activities such as extortion, kidnappings, murders, and drug contamination of exports have prompted the industry to enhance security, especially in rural farm locations where criminal gangs are active.
The European Union (EU), receiving 30% of Ecuador's banana exports, is a critical market impacted by these security challenges. Exporters are advocating for strengthened security throughout the supply chain to ensure safe delivery to the EU. They call for public policies for comprehensive scanning of export containers and standardized security protocols across the supply chain, urging EU countries to recognize this issue as a public health concern and ensure the secure supply of bananas.
Presented by former Colombian Defense Minister Diego Molano at "Banana Time," the "Safe Farms" protocol emphasizes proactive measures on farms, collaboration between the private sector, industry groups, state authorities, and a long-term strategy to bolster institutional capacities. It includes security training, a solidarity and information network for workers and transporters, and a system for sharing risk profiles of workers and suppliers. Additionally, it proposes biometric security systems and physical barriers for production spaces.
The initiative will be anchored by the Strategic Integrated Security Prevention and Response Center (Ciepris), focusing on data analysis, preventive measures, and integration with police and armed forces. Molano highlighted the necessity of coordination and long-term efforts, comparing the situation to Colombia's experience with guerrilla violence, indicating that restoring security in Ecuador is a complex, enduring challenge.
Source: EFEcomunica