Acting as both a major staple and cash crop, banana production and trade are vital to rural economies in many producing countries, generating income, providing employment, and sustaining the livelihoods of millions of people. While the public attention is often drawn to environmental sustainability, it is equally important to recognize the social footprint of banana production and the people behind every stage of the value chain—from variety selection to the retail shelves.

This panel aims to shed light on the many efforts undertaken by various industry actors to strengthen the social sustainability of the banana sector and improve the livelihoods of workers and their families. Though persistent labour challenges remain, there is a growing body of good practices and initiatives aimed at enhancing access to education and healthcare, promoting rural development, improving working conditions, supporting childcare and housing, and fostering more inclusive communities.

With the participation of representatives from producer associations, trading companies, workers organization and certification schemes, the session will offer a multi-stakeholder perspective on how social outcomes can be improved across the banana value chain. The discussion will also explore how greater transparency and consumer awareness of social issues can help ensure that the people who make banana production possible are seen, valued, and supported. .

Moderator:

• Mr. Victor Prada, Secretary, World Banana Forum (WBF) Secretariat 

Proposed panelists:

• Marike de Peña, President, Latin American and Caribbean Network of Small Fairtrade Producers and Workers (CLAC)
• Jhamna Magsig, Coordinator for Social Responsibility, Environmental Affairs, and Occupational Health, National Banana Corporation of Costa Rica (CORBANA)
• José Antonio Hidalgo, President, Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE)
• Emerson Aguirre, President, Association of Banana Growers of Colombia (AUGURA)
• José Francisco Zuñiga, President, Association of Banana Growers of Magdalena and La Guajira (ASBAMA)
• Hilario Pellegrini, President, Association of Banana Producers of Dominican Republic (ADOBANANO)
• Carolina Jaramillo Ferrer, Sustainability Director, UNIBAN
• José Antonio Vargas, General Manager, Reybanpac