As new sustainability regulations and corporate due diligence directives progressively enter into force—particularly in the European Union—companies are increasingly required to comply with binding standards on environmental protection, human rights, and ethical business conduct throughout their supply chains. The banana sector is no exception.

Despite uncertainties and delays surrounding the implementation of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and other emerging frameworks, large companies are likely to be expected to conduct robust due diligence processes, including identifying, preventing, mitigating, and remediating adverse impacts on workers' rights and the environment. Among key concerns are safe and fair working conditions, the respect of fundamental labour rights, and the promotion of living wages and incomes across sourcing countries.

This evolving regulatory landscape marks a significant shift from voluntary commitments to mandatory compliance. It brings to the forefront the need for greater transparency, fairer distribution of value, and shared accountability across the supply chain—from producers to retailers.

This session will bring together upstream and downstream actors to reflect on their respective roles and responsibilities in building a more equitable banana value chain. Panelists will discuss progress made so far, challenges encountered, and how the sector can work collectively towards a shared responsibility to ensure a more just and sustainable global banana industry.

Moderator:

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

Proposed panelists:

• Mariano Jiménez Zeledón, Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager, National Banana Corporation of Costa Rica (CORBANA)
• José Antonio Hidalgo, Director Ejecutivo, Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE)
• Emerson Aguirre, President, Association of Banana Growers of Colombia (AUGURA)
• Hilario Pellegrini, President, Association of Banana Producers of Dominican Republic (ADOBANANO)
• Franca Rodriguez, Director of Global Sourcing – Fresh Produce, Aldi-South
• Sonia Cordera, Director of Market Engagement, Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH)
• Nina Kuppetz, Advisor for Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains and Standards, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)
• Jean-François Billot, Secretary General, African Association of Banana and Other Fruit Producers and Exporters (AFRUIBANA)
• Adela Torres, Coordinator, Coordinating Body of Latin American Banana and Agro-Industrial Workers Unions (COLSIBA)
• Ángel Rivero, President, National Federation of Free Agro-industrial, Peasant and Indigenous Workers of Ecuador (FENACLE)