GLOBAL 2000 Examines Organic Banana Plantations in Peru on World Banana Day

On April 15, 2025, the World Banana Day spotlighted concerns surrounding the popular fruit in Austria, where each individual consumes approximately 16 kilograms of bananas annually, making it the favorite fruit ahead of apples and oranges. However, the banana industry faces a significant threat from the Tropical Race 4 fungus, which is increasingly affecting bananas cultivated in monocultures. Traditional chemical interventions have proven ineffective against this menace.

Lisa-Maria Krasa, an agricultural technician with GLOBAL 2000, recently returned from an inspection trip to Sullana, Peru, where she assessed the organic banana plantations in partnership with the Rewe Group. She noted that organic farming practices promote healthier soil and utilize organic fertilizers, while also diversifying crops by integrating mango and lime trees. This approach enhances the resilience of the plants against diseases.

During her inspection, Krasa meticulously reviewed documentation, collected leaf samples, and engaged with local producers to verify the types of pesticides employed. The standards governing organic banana cultivation are notably strict. Instead of relying on harmful chemicals, organic farmers use natural solutions such as tea tree and orange oils, insect traps, and more resilient plant varieties. While this method is labor-intensive, it is deemed more sustainable and healthier than aerial pesticide applications that blanket large areas.

Historically, bananas are a diverse crop, with dessert bananas, which dominate consumer markets, representing less than one-third of total global banana production. The majority, approximately 70%, consists of cooking bananas, which are irreplaceable in the diets of many communities. However, cooking bananas are also vulnerable to the Tropical Race 4 fungus, potentially leading to dire consequences.

Krasa emphasized that extensive monocultures create ideal conditions for fungal outbreaks. The reliance on genetic engineering as a potential solution carries substantial risks, especially given the ineffectiveness of chemical treatments. She advocates for a shift towards biological and diversified agricultural practices as the sustainable path forward.

Reflecting on past agricultural challenges, Krasa pointed out that a similar fungus devastated the Gros Michel banana variety in the 1960s, which was the dominant type on the market at that time. The Cavendish banana subsequently took its place, yet it is now facing similar threats six decades later.