Experts at the FAO meeting stressed that clearing up retailer and consumer confusion about the differences between the certification schemes is key to their success as individual schemes and to the achievement of their common goal - promoting environmental and social responsibility in the banana industry. We support each others' schemes and have come together under the FAO roof to explore synergies and complementarities between the schemes. They respond individually to specific needs but share a common goal. Several options for sharing information were discussed at the meeting, including pooling research on issues such as health and safety for farm workers, joint training sessions for inspectors and exchanging information on best production practices. Plans were made to publish a brochure outlining the different certification schemes in operation.
Banana is a crop that can be introduced and established very quickly.
Within a minimum time you can start producing, and you can run for up to 20 years without replanting. Because of this, they are able to command premium prices for their produce, and this enables them to keep farming. It is also timely for the market place.