The banana price box in the 'spot' market (without contract) is above USD$5.50, which is the minimum referential value. There are cases where the price is around USD$10. However, producer guild members claim that the exporters will be forced to sign contracts for USD$4.90 per carton. "Yes, it's true that the price has improved, but what good is it if it can harm us in any other way," said Paul Gonzalez, of Machala`s Agricultural Center (El Oro). However, this type of complaint is not registered in the Secretariat of Agriculture of the Coast.
Carlos Emilio Velez, head of this entity, two weeks ago said, that annual contracts could only be signed for a value of USD$5.50 the box. Or, if there is consent by both parties, the price in high season could be for USD$6.30 and USD$4.90 in
low season. In no way is it allowed to combine these two options.
Therefore, productive organizations are preparing themselves to make an appointment with the President, in order to make their dissatisfaction known with control policies. They announce demonstrations. Gonzalez warned that the sector will ask, formally, to change the Minister of Agriculture. Stanley Vera has lead this Ministry since May of 2011 and through several actions has imposed fines on export companies that violate the law.