The recent authorization allowing Ecuadorian bananas to enter Brazil has drawn concern from domestic producers and parliamentary representatives. The measure, approved under a court ruling that lifted previous sanitary restrictions, currently applies to dehydrated bananas while a full risk analysis for fresh imports is still under review.
Federal congresswoman Rosana Valle (PL-SP) warned that fruit-producing areas such as Cajati and Vale do Ribeira in São Paulo could be affected. In a formal request to the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, she called for safeguards to protect Brazil's banana supply chain. Valle stated on social media that exporting the fruit from Ecuador "bankrupts farmers, in addition to bringing diseases to Brazil," adding that she had filed a request for clarification with the ministry in support of domestic growers.
The Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA) and banana producer associations, including Conaban, Abanorte, Abavar, and Febanana, met with Ministers Carlos Fávaro and Paulo Teixeira to discuss the risks of banana imports. These organizations expressed concern about the possible introduction of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (TR4), a quarantine pest not yet detected in Brazil.
TR4 poses a serious threat to banana crops, particularly to the widely cultivated Cavendish group, which includes the dwarf and silver varieties commonly grown for domestic consumption.
Source: Agro2 / Abrafrutas
