Crisis in the Canary Islands Banana Sector: Farmers Protest Against Asprocan's Management

The banana industry in the Canary Islands is facing a severe crisis, with local farmers and the "Plataforma por un Precio Justo y Auténtico del Plátano" (Platform for a Fair and Authentic Price of Bananas) vehemently criticizing the management practices of the Asociación de Productores de Plátano de Canarias (Asprocan).

Lack of Transparency and Unfair Pricing

At the heart of the issue is the lack of transparency in the commercialization process. Farmers complain that they deliver their produce to cooperatives without knowing the price they will receive or the quantities that will be sold. This uncertainty has led to a situation where many farmers are unable to cover their production costs, as they often receive null or very low prices for certain categories of bananas, despite these bananas being sold in markets at prices similar to those of higher categories[1][3].

Massive Waste and Environmental Concerns

The platform has also highlighted the alarming practice of destroying millions of kilograms of bananas. In 2023, Asprocan was accused of destroying 28 million kilograms of bananas, a practice that has been ongoing for nearly three decades. This destruction is often justified as a response to overproduction, but critics argue it is a tactic to maintain market control and benefit larger companies at the expense of small and medium-sized farmers[3][5].

Calls for Regulatory Action

The "Plataforma por un Precio Justo y Auténtico del Plátano" is demanding the application of the Ley de Cadena Alimentaria (Food Chain Law), which they claim was excluded due to maneuvers by Asprocan. This law is seen as crucial for ensuring fair prices and transparent practices throughout the food chain. The platform also urges the Consejería de Agricultura (Department of Agriculture) to intervene more actively to promote equitable and transparent management of banana production and commercialization[1][3].

Impact on Farmers and the Community

The situation has led to significant economic hardship for farmers and their families. The year 2024 was particularly challenging, with 15 consecutive months of low prices until March. Although there was a 25% recovery in the value of exports in the latter part of 2024, the overall context remains precarious due to increased production costs, climate change, and competition from third countries[4].

Political and Administrative Issues

The recent political decision to replace Javier Gutiérrez Taño, the former Director General of Agriculture, with Nieves Lady Barreto has been criticized for disrupting the dialogue within the sector that was aimed at finding solutions to these problems. Additionally, there are questions about the legal status of Asprocan, with the platform alleging that the association is not properly registered[1].

Environmental and Social Implications

The destruction of bananas not only affects farmers economically but also has environmental implications. There have been reports of illegal dumping of agricultural waste in protected areas, which has been brought to the attention of environmental authorities. Asprocan claims that they donate as much as possible to food banks and use the rest for animal feed and composting, but critics argue that these practices are insufficient and often a cover for more sinister activities[5].

The crisis in the Canary Islands banana sector is a complex issue that involves economic, environmental, and social dimensions. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the calls for urgent action and regulatory oversight are becoming increasingly urgent to ensure the survival of this iconic and economically vital industry.