The adoption of more sustainable practices in agricultural production and trade is a primary concern for FAO. In the banana sector, the Horticultural Products Group of FAO’s Commodity and Trade Division, which holds the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and Tropical Fruits (IGG), is exploring what steps can be taken with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector and governments to further the development of responsible banana production and trade. At its last meeting in May 1999, the IGG discussed the topics of fair trade and organic bananas, as well as other modes of sustainable banana production and trade.

Several initiatives aimed at increasing sustainability in the banana industry have emerged in the recent past. In particular, some NGOs have developed certification programmes against a set of environmental and/or social requirements for banana production and trade. These initiatives include “fair trade”, “organic” and “ecofriendly” bananas among others. In addition, other organizations which have developed certification programmes based on compliance with core labour standards are looking to the agricultural sector, including the banana industry for application of those standards.