Forum to explore sustainability in global banana supply chain

From climate change to labor rights to gender equality, the World Banana Forum is set to explore key sustainability issues impacting the banana industry at the Fourth Global Conference of the World Banana Forum, March 12-13. Facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the forum is scheduled to take place at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

At 19.1 million tons in 2022, bananas are the most exported fresh fruit in the world by volume, reports the World Banana Forum, which estimates the economic value of bananas is $10 billion annually. Bananas are also an essential source of income and nutrition for thousands of rural households in developing countries.

But this critically important industry faces urgent environmental, economic and social challenges that can only be overcome if all banana stakeholders collaborate on solutions, says the WBF.

Providing space for this collaboration in pursuit of a more equitable, sustainable and responsible banana industry is the aim of the Fourth Global Conference of the World Banana Forum.

The conference is set to explore various topics related to the sustainability of the banana industry, including environmental impacts, adaptation and mitigation of climate change, sustainable banana production systems, distribution of value in the supply chain, living wages, shared responsibility, due diligence, labor rights, decent work and gender equity.

The agenda for the Fourth Global Conference of the World Banana Forum includes the following panel discussions:

• Setting the scene and looking ahead towards the future of the banana industry — WBF says the objective of this panel is to “set the scene” through different testimonies of various constituencies of the banana industry whose perspectives will drive the discussion on collaborative activities towards a more sustainable banana industry in the years to come.
• The pressing challenges and opportunities related to climate change and environmental sustainability in the banana industry — WBF says his panel will explore the challenges and opportunities within the banana industry's environmental sustainability landscape, considering the implications of recent international regulations, such as those set by the European Union, and the commitments made by key stakeholders in the value chain.
• Achieving a fairer distribution of value — Setting the scene for the Global Conference on Living Wages and Incomes, WBF says this panel will consider the relevant forthcoming due diligence legislations and requirements and their impacts on stakeholders along the supply chain.
• Paving a path towards decent work and the adherence to international labor standards in the global banana industry — This panel will explore the challenges in enabling decent work in the banana industry and how supply chain collaboration can support improved conditions for workers, towards the adherence to international labor standards in the global banana industry.
• Fusarium Wilt TR4: Strategies for the present and solutions for the future — WBF says this panel will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with Fusarium Wilt TR4, presenting current strategies in play and prospective solutions for the future.

Expected to gather stakeholders from across the global banana sector, including governments, relevant international organizations, importers, exporters, retailers, producer organizations, trade unions, civil society organizations and research and development institutes, the conference is free to attend but advance registration is required.