Tensions are rising among plantain producers in the Canary Islands following news of an agreement signed between Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ecuador, the details of which have not been disclosed. Local farmers fear this move could lead to an even greater influx of cheap Ecuadorian bananas into the Spanish market, threatening their incomes and the future of the industry.
Ecuador has long been a global leader in banana exports. Bananas from this country are significantly cheaper than Canary Island plantains, and often seen as a more affordable alternative in supermarkets. Although officials claim the memorandum primarily addresses environmental and technical aspects of cooperation, trust among Canary Island farmers continues to erode. They have repeatedly requested the full text of the agreement from the ministry but have yet to receive a response.
The document signed between Ecuador and the European Union outlines priorities for the coming decade, ranging from environmental protection and scientific development to support for small businesses and combating childhood malnutrition. However, for producers in the Canary Islands, competition remains the main concern. The cost of banana production in Ecuador is much lower than in the Canaries, primarily due to cheaper labor and lower resource expenses. This makes it nearly impossible for local farmers to compete in the market.
In recent years, the situation has only gotten worse. Banana imports to Europe have increased by 20% since 2022, while purchase prices for this fruit have nearly halved over the past 15 years. In 2010, a ton of bananas cost €148, whereas now the price has dropped to €72. Canary Islands producers have repeatedly staged protests, demanding fair conditions and equal standards for all market participants. They argue that the current situation creates a clear inequality: Latin American countries face far less stringent requirements than Spanish farmers.
The ministry insists that this is not a trade agreement, but rather a protocol on sharing expertise in irrigation, crop insurance, and risk management related to climate change. The agency emphasizes that no new conditions for importing or exporting products are being introduced, and Canary bananas remain one of the symbols of Spanish gastronomy and the archipelago’s economy. Nevertheless, farmers’ concerns persist: they are demanding transparency and guarantees that their interests will not be sacrificed for international accords.
