"The European Union remains Colombia's largest export market, accounting for 62% of its banana shipments. The United Kingdom and the United States are also important markets, with 16% and 15% of exports, respectively. Despite rising production costs, including higher labor costs, the Colombian banana industry continues to advocate for fair prices in these markets," says Emerson Aguirre Medina, president of Augura (Association of Colombian Banana Growers).
The Colombian banana sector, represented by the Association, highlighted its commitment to sustainability and fair labor practices. Aguirre Medina stressed "the importance of supporting the banana industry with decent prices that reflect the social, environmental and economic efforts of producers."
"With more than 60 years of institutional history, Augura represents 70% of banana producers in Colombia. The sector has 92% of the workforce unionized and participating in collective bargaining processes every two years. Augura prides itself on setting an international standard in labor rights, offering fair wages and guaranteeing long-term job stability for its workers," says Aguirre Medina.
Colombia's banana sector has worked diligently to address the challenges posed by Fusarium Tropical race 4, a fungus that the industry has been dealing with since 2019. "More than 300 hectares have been destroyed due to this disease, and more than 3,000 hectares remain in quarantine. The industry has implemented strict biosecurity measures and has stressed the importance of international cooperation to prevent the spread of the fungus," says Aguirre Medina.
"In 2024, Colombia saw a recovery in banana exports after a difficult year in 2023. The sector aims to export around 111 million boxes of bananas this year, thus making a significant contribution to the country's economy while increasing its competitiveness against major players such as Ecuador and Costa Rica," says Aguirre Medina.
Aguirre Medina also highlights "the need for fair prices to guarantee the long-term sustainability of small and medium-sized producers, who are dealing with rising production costs. Labor costs, which account for 55% of the total production costs, have grown due to a 14% wage increase this year. The association argues that these cost factors should be taken into account and that prices in the international markets should be adjusted accordingly, allowing the industry to continue contributing to Colombia's economic stability.
President of Augura at the Procolombia hall at Fruit Attraction 2024.
The banana sector plays a crucial role in local economies, especially in areas such as Urabá and Magdalena, where more than 50,000 workers are employed in banana cultivation. Augura's social programs are not limited to employment; they also contribute to the development of communities in regions previously affected by violence. In these areas, "planting bananas is synonymous with planting peace," says Aguirre Medina, highlighting the industry's transformative impact on Colombia's rural communities.
Looking ahead, the Colombian banana industry aims to increase productivity by 5% by 2025, while continuing to advocate for fair prices and sustainability in the global market.
For more information:
Emerson Aguirre Medina
Association of Colombian Banana Growers - Augura
Tel.: +57 315 356 5815
[email protected]
www.augura.com.co