International banana industry prepares for 2026 meeting in Mexico

Mérida, Yucatán, will host one of the most important banana industry meetings in the world from April 20 to 23, 2026, bringing together representatives from 40 countries. The event combines the XXV Reunión Internacional ACORBAT and the X Congreso Internacional del Banano CORBANA.

To ensure a safe gathering, Costa Rica and Mexico are coordinating strict biosecurity measures. The goal is to prevent the entry and spread of Fusarium Raza 4 Tropical (Foc R4T), a soil fungus that seriously affects banana crops. This pathogen is not currently present in Costa Rica or Mexico, and protecting banana production is a top priority.

Strict protective measures

The congress organizers, together with SENASICA (Mexico’s National Service for Health, Food Safety and Quality), will apply:

-Disinfection protocols at airports, hotels and the event venue;

-Foot sanitizing mats for all arrivals, including those traveling by land;

-X-ray inspections and canine units at borders;

-Cleaning and disinfection of shoes, clothing and vehicles;

Because the fungus spreads easily through soil particles on footwear, tools or luggage, all visitors must follow these rules without exception.

Requirements for participants

All attendees — organizers, speakers, service staff and visitors — must respect the biosecurity guidelines.

International participants will need to:

-Sign a mandatory sworn declaration;

-Avoid visiting banana farms in Mexico;

-Refrain from bringing plant material;

-Report their exact travel origin

“These actions show the joint commitment of Mexico and Costa Rica to protect banana crops and ensure a safe, well-managed event,” said Rafael Segura Mena, Director of the CORBANA Research Center and Vice President of ACORBAT.

Before the congress begins, the international Comando Fusarium, a group of specialists who work to prevent the spread of the disease, will also meet in Mérida.

About the organizing institutions

CORBANA (Costa Rica’s National Banana Corporation) supports the country’s banana industry through research, technical assistance and global promotion.

ACORBAT is a non-profit international association that encourages scientific and technical exchange on banana and plantain cultivation, uniting researchers, producers and experts for more than 60 years.

For more information on collaboration opportunities, send your inquiry today.