Covid 19 affected all countries in the world on a sanitary level, but also economically. International logistics collapsed, flights were cancelled, it caused chaos in the ports and contracts were cancelled. In short, a total economic crisis.
"But Ecuador's banana sector, despite the sanitary and logistical obstacles, showed resilience and in 2020 a record in banana exports was recorded with an increase of 9.92% compared to 2019. Of the 380 million boxes exported in 2020, 26.5% came to Europe," said Fátima Garcia from the Ministry of Production, Exports, Investment & Fishery and Andrea Boekhoud Montoya of Trade & Investment Office of Ecuador in the Netherlands.
Development
This health crisis has strengthened the Ecuadorian banana producer's commitment to the principles and practices of sustainable production, says the team from Trade Office and the Ministry. "The progress and achievements of the Ecuadorian banana industry in sustainable production go hand in hand with the objective of contributing to the country's development through the sustainable production and marketing of bananas."
Smallest chemical footprint
The Trade & Investment Office of Ecuador and the Ministry see that the aspects of sustainability, such as financial returns, labour and social equity, and environmental protection, have been secured in robust legislation that encourages and supports Ecuadorian producers.
"This has enabled significant achievements in banana production and international promotion, making Ecuador the indisputable leader in sustainable banana production in the world. In addition, Ecuador is the banana producing country in the Americas region with the smallest chemical footprint. We have also achieved significant results in the areas of environmental health and thus soil use and biodiversity."
The team indicates that in terms of cycles of Sigatoka fumigation, in Ecuador this is a maximum of 25 times per year where in other countries of the region the average is more than 60 cycles per year.
Room for improvement
The Trade & Investment Office of Ecuador and the Ministry see that the progress in quality and sustainability in the Ecuadorian banana sector is growing, making the country the global export leader for the past 10 years. However, the team is aware that there is room for improvement. "The sector is rising to this challenge and will continue to offer the best of Ecuador to the world."
Almost 200,000 hectares of bananas
According to the Survey of Surface and Continuous Agricultural Production (ESPAC) 2019, published in May 2020, and according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), there are 190,381 ha of bananas in Ecuador. Of these, 49.75% ha are owned by producers with more than 100 hectares; 31.21% are owned by producers between 30 and less than 100 hectares; and, 19.03% are owned by producers from more than 0 to less than 30 hectares.
Photo's Luderson.com.ec
Trade & Investment Office of Ecuador [email protected]
