The Association of Banana Growers of Colombia (Augura) stated that Colombia exports 73% of the bananas it produces to the European Union and that the EU had become the main market for this agricultural product, which is grown in the Northwest of the country.
Colombia exports an estimated 120,000 boxes of bananas per week and continues to consolidate itself as one of the leading producers of this fruit in the world, Augura stated. Colombia is the third largest exporter of bananas in the world, only behind Ecuador and Costa Rica.
In parallel with its consolidation in the demanding foreign market, Colombian banana producers are promoting sustainable development programs in regions such as Uraba, in the department of Antioquia (northwest). "We are proud because we have a very strong and important social framework in the regions where we are, which impacts the quality of life of our workers and their families," said the president of Augura, Juan Camilo Restrepo.
Restrepo also highlighted the Colombian farmers' strict compliance with the quality, phytosanitary and sustainable development controls required by the European Union. One of the corporate social responsibility measures being carried out by Colombian banana companies is cleaning and recovering the Leon River, the main tributary used to take bananas to the cargo ships that will transport them to the European markets by sea.
Source: EFEAGRO