Just a few years ago there were 6500 banana growers, these days there are only between 3000 and 4000 in an atmosphere of total uncertainty. The real costs of banana production are not included in the current retail price. Banana production in the Windwards is characterised by smallholders, who grow their fruit on family owned farms. The system is labour intensive, and use of agrochemicals is low. Despite the pressures, banana quality from the Islands is on the up.
Bananas are Britain's most popular fruit and consumption is increasing.
In a fair world you would think there would be room for the smallholders. The market is now governed solely by the classic supply and demand mechanism. Within the new system, only the most competitive producers will be able to supply the European market. So let's look at the world of banana dollars and see if we like it. Transnational business methods in the 'banana republics' have followed a familiar pattern of eviction, exploitation and negligence.