Canary Islands banana growers sound alarm over historic price collapse

The iconic plátano de Canarias, long a symbol of the archipelago’s culture and economy, faces one of its deepest crises in decades. Producers report that current market prices — around €0.30 per kilo for top-grade fruit — cover barely a fraction of production costs, pushing many farms toward unsustainable losses.

Growers warn that without immediate action, the banana — a crop that sustains thousands of Canarian families — could disappear as a viable livelihood. The Platform for a Fair and Authentic Banana Price has declared a state of “red alert” across the sector, citing institutional inaction and a lack of transparency from the Association of Banana Producer Organisations of the Canary Islands (Asprocan).

Farmers accuse both Asprocan and regional authorities of neglecting the crisis, criticising ineffective leadership and poor communication. Many argue that profits are concentrated away from the fields while those cultivating the fruit bear the costs and uncertainty.

Beyond the economic impact, producers stress the cultural significance of the banana industry — a cornerstone of Canarian identity passed down through generations. They call for fair pricing, better governance, and stronger government support to prevent the disappearance of one of Spain’s most emblematic agricultural traditions.

source: okdiario.com

photo: ecomercioagrario.com