The Joint Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Sub-Group on Bananas and the Fifth Session of the Sub-Group Tropical Fruits
09/12/2009 - 11/12/2009 (Rome, Italy) [ more... ]

Banana market situation in 2005 and early 2006

Preliminary results for 2005

Preliminary figures indicate that world banana exports contracted in 2005 relative to 2004 by a small margin. The fact that exports did not contract significantly comes as a surprise, considering that some of the traditional banana exporters are located in areas affected by what has been described as the most intense Atlantic hurricane season in history. A total of 28 storms were identified of which a record 15 became hurricanes, and 4 reached maximum strength (Category 5). [ more... ]

Banana Statistics 2005
This compendium presents the latest statistical data on international banana trade available to FAO. It provides estimates of banana imports and exports in 2005. [ more... ]

Technical note on changes in the EC banana import regime

Is there a tariff-only equivalent to the EU tariff rate quota regime? Insights from economic analysis

This technical note is intended as a guide to assist in the interpretation of existing analytical studies on the likely impact of this import policy change on developing countries. Various analytical studies are compared, some of which assess the potential effects of tariffs, others which attempt to estimate tariff equivalents to the current TRQ system, and others still that explore the validity of some key assumptions underlying these models, such as that of a perfectly competitive market. The extent of agreement between the different models on the likely impact of the proposed policy changes, and the reasons why estimates of these impacts vary across the studies are explored in detail. [ more... ]

Simulation model of world banana trade

The Commodities and Trade Division of FAO carries out analytical studies of commodity markets, including projections of demand and supply. The latest FAO medium-term projections for world banana trade until 2010 were presented at the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Group (IGG) on Bananas and Tropical Fruits held in Puerto de la Cruz, Spain, 22-26 March 2004. These were based on a partial equilibrium model of the world banana trade built in early 2002. It assumed parity between the dollar and euro, and could not include new EU accession countries because they were not yet known. It also required assumptions regarding the EU import regime in 2006, which is due to change from the current tariff-rate quota (TRQ) to a tariff-only. [ more... ]

Expert Consultation on Banana Trade Policies
Rome, 28-29 October 2004

The overall objective of this informal consultation was to review and clarify the evidence that underlies current debates and negotiations on banana import policy reforms in OECD countries. The consultation focused on quantitative analyses of the impacts of various options for a tariff-only policy and the potential implications on countries benefiting from preferential treatment. Some of the papers presented at the meeting, as well as others that relate to this topic, can be accessed from the links provided on the right of the screen. The list is not exhaustive and interested analysts may wish to consult the speakers directly. Please note that these contributions do not necessarily imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO. The material posted does not necessarily carry the endorsement of FAO. [ more... ]

Banana Information Note
SUB-GROUP ON BANANAS OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL GROUP ON BANANAS AND TROPICAL FRUITS

Published every two years. Contains information on recent developments in the international banana trade and annual statistical data on prices, production and trade of bananas. [ more... ]

Portal Page: Environmental and social certification for responsible agricultural production and trade

Certification in the value chain for fresh fruits: the example of banana industry

Value-adding standards in the North American food market

Private standards in the United States and European Union markets for fruit and vegetables

Technical regulations and standards for food exports: trust and the credence goods problem

The Japanese Market for Environmentally and Socially Certified Agricultural Products from Central America

Voluntary Standards and Certification for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Agricultural Production and Trade

Environmental and Social Standards, Certification and Labelling for Cash Crops

Organic agriculture

Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Manuals on certification for agricultural exports

ITC's Market News Service for organic products

Working Group on Environmentally and Socially Responsible Horticulture Production and Trade

[ more... ]

The World Banana Economy 1985-2002
This publication reviews developments in international banana trade from 1985 to 2002, including changes in exporting and importing countries, trade policy, technology, environmental and social issues and multinational companies. [ more... ]

Common Fund for Commodities
Projects on Bananas [ more... ]

Banana Forum
The Banana Forum service is provided by the Horticultural Products Group of the Commodities and Trade Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The aim of the network is to exchange information on developments in the world banana industry and to discuss social, economic, trade, environmental and other relevant issues in banana production and trade. [ more... ]

Working Group on Environmentally and Socially Responsible Horticulture Production and Trade

What is the Working Group?

The Working Group was formed to facilitate dialogue, collaboration and joint activities among stakeholders working with social and environmental issues in horticultural production and trade. The participants in the Working Group have various backgrounds. These include NGOs involved in standard setting, certification and/or labelling of horticulture produce, auditors and environmental experts, banana producers and FAO. [ more... ]

Participating Organizations and Contacts for the Working Group on Environmentally and Socially Responsible Horticulture Production and Trade
For more exhaustive descriptions of the standard setting initiatives please see the documents available on the Working Group page, or visit the respective web pages of the various organizations. [ more... ]

Meeting on Voluntary Standards and Certification in Environmentally and Socially Responsible Agricultural Production and Trade

For more information, please contact Pascal Liu, Trade and Markets Division

This meeting was held in Rome on 22 April 2004 [ more... ]