Collaboration between Colombia and Holland boosts Fairtrade bananas

The Max Havelaar Foundation, Fyffes, Uniban, Augura and the ministry of foreign affairs have started a public private collaboration to increase the offer of Fairtrade bananas in Holland and therefore realise a preservation of the banana production in Colombia. 

Due to the successful cross over from the Dutch supermarket chains Plus, Spar and Attent to 100% Fairtrade bananas, the Dutch and Colombian representatives from the chain have decided to invest in a public private collaboration.

Last week the Max Havelaar Foundation, Fyffes, Uniban, Augura and the ministry of foreign affairs signed the contract during an expert meeting about sustainable trade relationships between Holland and Colombia. 

The goal of the collaboration is the improvement of the living conditions of small Colombian producers. 

"By investing in the banana sector, for instance in the area of sustainably water usage, raises Colobian farmers production, and with it their income", according to Peter d'Angremond, director of the Max Havelaar Foundation.

At the beginning of 2010 supermarket chain Plus switched to 100% percent Fairtrade bananas. 

Spar and Attent followed this year which means hundreds of farmers and their families receive a fair price for their bananas. 

The choice of the Dutch supermarkets for Fairtrade bananas also helps the stability and peace in Colombia. 

Especially the banana regions Uraba and Magdalena suffered from the violent conflict that has been terrorizing Colombia for decades. 

As a result of the violence over 2000 homeless and hundreds of guerilla fighters sought refuge in this area. 

The way in which the Colombian producers organisation Augura involved the refugees and the former fighters in the banana sector, was rewarded in 2.009 with the peace pride for trade. 

In 2010 the initiative received the National Export Prize for the successful business model. 

Due to the collaboration between Colombian and Dutch representatives in the chain and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs more farmers will be reached, which means they can invest in a better future. 

The farmers are organised in Fairtrade certified co-operations and receive a fair price. 

At the same time they have to fulfil strict environment rules. 

Besides this $1, is paid in development premium to the co-operations and plantations for every box of bananas. 

This is used for, for instance a better infrastructure and production techniques, education and health care. 

Thanks to the commitment of the Dutch companies such as Plus and banana importer Fyffes, banana farmers have access to the Dutch market.