Latin American banana growers demand fair pay as climate crisis cuts production

Latin American banana producers are demanding better pay to cope with the climate crisis, as extreme weather from this year's super El Niño event causes significant production drops. High winds in Colombia and heavy rainfall in Peru and Ecuador are already affecting output, with drought expected in the Dominican Republic. Fairtrade research shows productivity fell by 13% in the Dominican Republic, 22% in Ecuador, and 6% in Peru during the previous El Niño cycle. Colombian Caribbean exports dropped 32% to $122m between July and September this year, with September shipments down 42% year on year. Producers warn climate losses and currency issues are undermining the industry's economic sustainability. Fairtrade is urging UK legislation against unfair trading practices, noting supermarket banana prices have remained unchanged for nearly 40 years despite rising costs. Research suggests suitable land for banana cultivation could shrink by 61% across Latin America and the Caribbean by 2050.