Fair Trade Bananas
Most of the world’s banana exports come from Latin America, which is also the home of the majority of Fairtrade banana producers.
In bananas, Fairtrade certifies both small producer organizations and plantations that employ hired labour. As the majority of bananas are grown on large plantations, working with hired labour organizations allows Fairtrade to make a larger impact on the banana industry.
In bananas, Fairtrade certifies both small producer organizations and plantations that employ hired labour. As the majority of bananas are grown on large plantations, working with hired labour organizations allows Fairtrade to make a larger impact on the banana industry.
The availability of bananas on supermarket shelves is a great opportunity for Fairtrade producers to get their produce to customers, who responded in 2014 by buying over 460,000 metric tonnes of Fairtrade bananas. Additionally, supermarkets and food companies have committed to purchase Fairtrade bananas as part of their strategies for sustainable sourcing.
As a result, certified farms and plantations sell a high percentage (around 60 percent in 2013-14) of their total production volume on Fairtrade terms. This translates into more Fairtrade Premium money for farmers' and workers' organizations to invest. Smallholders invested more than half of their Premium in business or organizational development, production and processing. On plantations most of the Premium payments were invested in support for workers, such as housing and education for them and their families.
Overall, Fairtrade has had a positive impact on job security and the conditions of employment for plantation workers, while smallholder farmers generally see their income rise after having been certified by Fairtrade.
As a result, certified farms and plantations sell a high percentage (around 60 percent in 2013-14) of their total production volume on Fairtrade terms. This translates into more Fairtrade Premium money for farmers' and workers' organizations to invest. Smallholders invested more than half of their Premium in business or organizational development, production and processing. On plantations most of the Premium payments were invested in support for workers, such as housing and education for them and their families.
Overall, Fairtrade has had a positive impact on job security and the conditions of employment for plantation workers, while smallholder farmers generally see their income rise after having been certified by Fairtrade.
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