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Exporters pay up to $ 13 per box of bananas
Posted On 11 Sep 2017
Ecuadornews:
El Carmen is one of the main banana producing areas for the industry and export. 80% of that crop goes to the United States and Europe. The rest goes to the local market. In these summer months, production is small because of lack of irrigation. However, that has generated the price rise significantly.
The value established for the exportation of the box of bananas is $ 7.30, but it currently reaches $ 13. Wilmer Valencia has 12 hectares of banana in Pedernales. The farmer is satisfied with the price, but he has the aspiration that with the increase of irrigation he can produce more.
Luis Loor, president of the National Federation of Plantain Producers of Ecuador (Fenaprope), says that this situation is usual during these months. “We would like to produce more now when the best prices are paid.” The leader mentions that as of August, prices begin to rise until November. Despite the small production, Torres says that is a good time for the sector. “I would say that is one of the best market prices in 40 years, a box of bananas ready for consumption is more expensive than an export box.” (I)
