Colombian Banana: Expansion and Challenges Towards Sustainability

Colombia's agricultural exports exceeded $8 billion in 2023, with bananas as one of the main products, according to a Colombian media outlet. José Francisco Zúñiga, president of the Association of Banana Growers of Magdalena and La Guajira (Asbama), highlighted the importance of the port of Santa Marta, crucial for the export of nearly 50,000 containers.

The country exported approximately 900,000 tons of bananas last year, with Magdalena, Cesar, and La Guajira representing 50% of these exports. Between 2022 and 2023, the export volume increased by 20%.

The main destination was the United States, with a 32% share, followed by Belgium (28%), the United Kingdom, and Germany. The European Union is a key market, with strict regulations that require maintaining the sector's sustainability.

Zúñiga explained that only one variety of banana is marketed: the Cavendish. Although they would like to export other varieties, the current market only accepts this one. The most productive areas are concentrated in the municipalities of the Banana Zone, which are home to 12,000 of the 19,000 hectares dedicated to the crop in the country. This formal sector generates employment for 19,000 workers in four departments.

The president of Asbama also pointed out the environmental challenges, indicating that 50% of the water is lost through filtration, which requires government support to improve infrastructure and promote a more robust environmental culture.

On the other hand, international banana prices have not risen in over a decade, despite the fact that market demands have increased labor costs by 45%. This investment has not been reflected in European prices.

Security remains a problem, as producers face threats and extortion, although they have implemented closed monitoring systems on all farms to mitigate risks.

Source: agronegocios.co Photo: infobae.com