Bananas Flashcards
What is the significance of bananas in least developed countries?
Bananas are a staple food for around 500 million people and are the fourth most important food product
Bananas play a crucial role in food security in many developing regions.
How much of the global banana production was traded in 2017?
22.7 million tonnes, representing almost 20% of global production
This figure excludes plantains.
What is the annual revenue generated from banana trade?
Over $15 billion per year
Bananas are the most internationally traded fruit.
Which groups dominate world banana production?
ACP group and ‘dollar producers’ from Latin America
The ACP group includes small- and medium-sized producers, while dollar producers are controlled by large US TNCs.
What has been the trend in banana production in the Caribbean?
Controlled more by small- and medium-scale growers on family farms and cooperatives
TNC involvement is less compared to Latin America.
Who are the leading banana producers?
Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Guatemala
Panama is also exporting bananas at a faster rate.
What impact did high fertilizer prices have on banana cultivation in 2021-2022?
Reduced application by farmers, hampering productivity and quality
This impacted key producing areas.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect banana producers?
Increased costs due to sanitary measures and physical distancing
This was especially pronounced during the first half of 2022.
Which countries are among the top banana exporters?
The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany
They often re-export bananas grown elsewhere.
What trend was observed in global banana export quantities in 2022?
A decline of 1.2 million tonnes from 2021, totaling approximately 19.1 million tonnes
This was in contrast to pre-pandemic growth.
What factors contributed to the decline in banana exports in 2022?
- Adverse weather conditions
- Shortages in refrigerated containers
- High global transportation costs
- Higher reject rates due to quality standards
New residue level standards in key importing markets increased pressure on producers.
What companies dominated the banana trade in the past?
Chiquita, Dole, Del Monte, Fyffes, and Noboa
These companies are vertically integrated in the supply chain.
What shift occurred in the banana trade market share from 2002 to 2017?
The big companies’ market share fell from 70% to less than 45%
This shift allowed retailers to gain more power in the supply chain.
What was the Geneva Banana Agreement?
A compromise reached in 2009 to gradually reduce tariffs on Latin American bananas
It came into effect in 2012.
What were the main concerns of ACP producers following the Geneva Banana Agreement?
Inability to compete with larger producers
Only a few Caribbean countries are successfully competing.
What are the environmental impacts of banana production?
- Negative consequences from mass production
- Pollution from agrochemicals
- Loss of biodiversity
Monoculture practices make bananas susceptible to diseases.
What is the ‘race to the bottom’ in the banana industry?
Relocating plantations to areas with lower labor costs and weaker regulations
This results in poor working conditions for plantation workers.
What has been the trend in the market for fair trade and organic bananas?
A steady growth in sales, helping smaller-scale producers
This caters to ethical consumers willing to pay higher prices.
What is the significance of the Cavendish banana cultivar?
It accounts for 99% of global trade and is susceptible to diseases like TR4
The lack of genetic variety poses risks for banana production.
What are the key takeaways regarding the world banana trade?
- TNCs control markets and influence political decisions
- WTO supports free trade over protectionism
- Geopolitical processes can escalate trade disputes
- Power has shifted from growers to retailers
- Ethical consumer markets are growing but slowly
These points highlight the complexities of trade in primary commodities.
Fill in the blank: The banana trade dispute lasted for ______ years.
20 years
It began in 1992 and was resolved with the Geneva Banana Agreement in 2009.
