Banana Export Ed.31 English by Banana Export

May 31, 2010 Issue No.

Responsible Social Sector Information

The faces that make the news in the Banana sector

Interested to hear from you all

Protegiendo su inversión

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General Index

Page # 4

Edición

No 31 M ayo 2010

CONTENT Foto

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Pages 20, 21 and 22

Manuel Rodriguez Vice Chiquita International Brands.

Event Photo Gallery International Forum Banana.

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on la cal ide z de siemp Hoyos r e AUGU , Presid Ro be r to ente banan RA, rei de teró eros de a en la los ciuda invita Guaya quil, d ció Colom n de hoy la l anf es de Ac bia, a la itri mayor uno de edició ón orbat los gre El em n IXX cional reconoci , blemá que se mien mios con tante rea repres . Recie to tico nteme intern Presid lizará de Cenib del vec anego entantes l nte anano ino pa ente de 8 al 12 ciacio partic de Co de no con ís, vin l gre nes iparon sus vie munic , Ing. Joh la mi desar pri en signif Unión n Jai o acomp o banan mbre de aci on rollo ro Europ vilegiada icó un de Ac es Efectiv y Sofia añado po ero ma l 2010. en s el tem a rebaja a, que s im orbat Aristiz r el a, por- del ret Colom les ba Dir a 2010. empre sus ab nan ector al Du o tan sa qu bia eros. de los hab que, pasa de del sec que es vol e ten arance cial ien Ge tor ba drá ver a al me do lograd un bu les Robe la log rente para la nan org en rca rto Ho ística anizar mome de las Coopera ero mu Colom do de o el año y el con yos, est ndial, nto Estad ant enfoq Musáceas ción en 33.000 bia est a con clave repres os Un erior exp de sus la scien ma idos hectá a bien ortar cultivo ue de est (Banan Investiga entan export con defin y Eur do a s importa te rea 95 mi o un e ción op ida la llones aciones alimen del plá Acorbat y Plátan nte y el arriba as 11.000 s y en Desar Asocia la reg . En el a. La zon o) tan taria va de las he ció Uraba a ba de cajas rollo ión de los o, dada a ser cie ACORBA 2000 ctáreas. Integ n Ty El pro de Magd cuenta nanera de Los pueb ntí la cajas Robe los con importa fico con revela qu ral produ medio ale por con rto hectá unas una e el ctores nci én tenido Hoyos de pro na, Sana este rea. gran cultivo a en la fasis en Ma ba ducci en ese Ruiz, es sido . ón est rtha, varios fre campa naneros seguri el un dir mante difícil ña ntes de Co dores a po dad tor con puest igente ner un r de y lom bia desan agrícolas trabajo, responsa deter exportad a relaci o por ma carismáti agrem qu gra ón de minan bili or con qu co s e e pe dad a Co iados, incluy com arm de 10 año que se te pa rdi lom o e a las social onía lide ra ma el aval bia po eron s y su ha man- En Au para el Uraba entre del la mujer que tie ran nte r ma , con milita gura s de vida en es de nen ocido ner un oficialism el sector meta ha nego rism se cinco la a rel cio tra o. o, en el produ banan puede hab export décad lid fratici bajaLa est pasad ativa cal lo que ero, ador. da qu as. rateg lar de ha sid c- ga ma o po qu ció en ia de Tie e r su infest un sec o pro n de cam ne com e no de una int AUGU egrac ja de tor grama ación o he RA ha po qu ión lad con rra s de funcio el inclus e se lo hac mientas o al pro vertica nad En nu l de ión soc o de du ea de l estras marav ial com través de apoyo ctor ni gre pró illa y mio la inv al CE o Ban hoy de AU ximas atura, NIBANAN estipor esperan GURA edicione O y los entre Colom a los s y con otros. produ de bia. ctores las no ocerem banan vedades os mas de eros cie talles del mu ntífica s, qu del ndo en Me e les dellín ,

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Page 12 Colombia prepares IXX editing of ACORBAT 2010.

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a em blemá dora tica em Ban millon anera No presa Exp ortaario po boa, mente Pontón, fue lítico, Álv del multi- por el SRI conmin a la funcio el pasado notificadaaro Nobo com a al a 200 19 de pago pañía No forma Intern narios del bo de l- ocu 5, que la as del Sistem Mayo, compañ los trib a, que glosa ltar ven por Ecu a uto lo qu de e no a una 85 millon ador, (SR de Rentas de dólare tas por ma ía escam s del I), s. s de 200 oteó al problema le dice spond supuesta es de dólare con una al paí est ma millon 2005. iente al eje irregularid s, debido Marx Car es det ción qu a en la s y tampo fuente e sirv rasco, co ad cor rcicio como erm rev de info el refe fiscal reterio inativo qu ió para del año toría la rencia en eló, que rde Ag Carlos el e es pro ricu oficial proceso Agricu informaci el proces se tom en dec Marx Car o en blema no ltura de del Min ras los de la ltura de EE. ón del Min o de aud comuni laraciones co, Direct i- ven que el con es ese, el pro EE.UU., iscaja, UU iste si el tribuye dido ble un larg cación, señ a varios or del SRI las cifras debido a ., sobre el rio de a una nte dec ma radica la val situ pre , que medio inte llevado o proces aló, que revela sentadas incongrue or CIF dec ada en lara hab s de o des un parrmediaria lara er Distrit por la Seg tributario pués de intermedi que la fru por el dec ncia de , qu aíso al de aria unda ta la larante declara que ven y jud fiscal fiscal, e esta quil, dió a , qu que se con lo Fiscal, con Sala del Trib icial, me y no a los ubicada en vendió a él no ven los e ven una rca dió a firma EE.UU unal sede dió un par dos de destin la aud ., no Eur en mos atario aíso un paraíso al interm el pro EE.UU., itoría Guayaediario opa, declara por eso fisc o Eur s finales tra ces realiza que est nos vimal, ese es da ma mos que o investiga opa. “Re los acu a en el alizaerdo s de 200 se ocu tivo con la os precisa problema millon ltaron ing y encon- precios de dos apl Ley la y es de res ica transf dólare os por erenci metodolo r de s, est gía de a”. o es Añadió qu e aplica la Ley es la prime de ma ra vez nera que ética. se

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Pages 16, 17 and 18

Pages 38. 39

Traceability great challenge bananas.

Ecuador is FTA was Europe.

“Creo est amos com le estam os dando etiendo el peo r err el certifi tria com cado de or de la vida, o la del porque def banano ”. AB. Edu unción a un a ind ard Led esma, Dir us"Los acu erdos com Ejecutivo ector desarrolla erc AEBE. das, com iales permit en una cap o lament que las acidad ablem nacion ciones, real de porqu crecimien ente es Ecuado es subr, tengan to en bas sigue no e con los acu erd ea es siones par sólo exportar os comerciale sus exportas lo que más sin a que se se con o la Comité pu Empresar eda producir atracción de inv más". erial ecuato riano, Bla Presidente del sco Peñ aherrera

Page # 5

EDITORIAL DIRECTORY President Mr. Enrique G贸mez G. Manager Eco Francisco Charcopa P. Editor Atty. Kleber Exkart Rubio Director Edition Atty. Ruben Martinez Bastidas Editorial Board Capt. Aloe Giuseppe Antonio Tanca Julio C. Mr. Alfredo Saltos Guale Eco Jorge Mu帽oz Contralm. Andrew M. Arrata Concept Graphic Design and Layout Mr. Enrique Izquieta Executive Secretary Ms. Lilibeth Campos Exkart "Banana Export", is published of Corpuagro.Las statistical figures are provided by the USAD. Banana Export name and logo are registered unamarca. All rights reserved publicaci贸nn, able to use the content with permission of the publication. Legal Counsel Ab. Carlos Campi Guayaquil Offices Lorenzo de Garaycoa 821 9 de October 4. Floor Office # 407 Telephone: 285 6435 / 285 5056 / 230 6567 Mobile: 081-059848 Mail: bananaexport@easynet.net.ec, info@bananaexport.com Web: www.bananaexport.com

The recent international banana Forum organized by the Association of Banana Growers of Ecuador, AEBE, served over fraternizing with stakeholders in the sector to revive the warning by the industry mean growing threat of entry of Panama disease Race 4 to banana plantations in Latin America. This threat is not a kind of paranoia in the sector. It is indeed a serious threat to the Cavendish banana, a phenotype is shown is very susceptible to the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, new race 4, and whose presence has become very serious threat in the tropical areas of Asia. The country was in the 50s and 60s debacle of the banana industry by the attack of a fungus of the same family, known as "Panama disease", which attacked the range prevailing at the time the Gross Michel. The generation of that time was resigned to losing this variety of banana and had it not appeared at the Cavendish variety, it is likely that the industry still mourn the death of the king. One of the great lessons that leave these bitter experiences is that all care provided is insufficient and should be tightened biosecurity measures to prevent the entry of the pathogen. One such measure is the non-importation of plant material that can cause infection and spread. According to one scientist who has devoted more time to study this disease, Dr. Luis Pocasangre, this measure is the most efficient, and for the other races of Panama disease, such as the one and two, that we have in America, there are no chemical control measures and prevent the incidence producers cultural measures already known and practiced. The country has in the banana industry one of the most important pillars of its economy and must seek to preserve the investment of thousands of producers, running a prevention campaign to prevent the entry of this evil in our midst. INIAP must be prepared to manage biosecurity controls to be used by the country on its borders in line with what is now called the government food safety.

Present

Page # 6

Chiquita Defends Accusations friendly relations with the AUC

Manuel RodrĂguez, Senior Vice President, Govermment and International Affairs, and Corporate Responsability Officer

ÂżChiquita paid the AUC of which in the argot gangster, he is called the "vaccine"?.

Present

he fine imposed in 2007 by the U.S. government, which forced the banana marketing multinational Chiquita Brands to pay $ 25 million, because of its relationship with the paramilitaries in Colombia, has led to fresh demands for criminal stop thousands of victims of that country, who consider Chiquita and severally liable for the death of thousands of his countrymen, so that demand financial compensation for their dead. The lawsuits have been filed in California and are awaiting a judge categorized, so that the parties could present evidence for the prosecution and defense. The story of Chiquita in Colombia is not of recent origin. This company is present in the lives of Colombians since 1928, when he founded the United Fruit. In 1970, United Fruit was merged with another company and changed its name to United Brands Company, which in turn change the name to Chiquita in 1990. The relationship of Chiquita, the Colombian producers has been full of ups and downs and sometimes a dark veil covers their actions, so that the Truth be demystified this relationship is quite difficult. The difference this time as he said recently the Director of Corporate Responsibility and Vice President for International Affairs, Mr. Manuel Rodriguez, "was that Chiquita was open and transparent and announced to the world what was happening." The problem of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and United Self-Defense of Colombia (AUC) is a governance issue that has dragged entrepreneurs, multinational investors in a vortex and spiral of violence, in which the code of silence has been the best guarantee of survival. Do I pay Chiquita to the AUC as the gangster slang, they called the

Page # 7

"vaccine"?. Manuel Rodriguez, one of the senior officials of Chiquita says yes. "We had a unique situation in Colombia because we were being pressured by both groups, first by the FARC and the AUC after, and it was a time when the company had to make a decision whether to defend the lives of their workers, or did you payments to these groups, and we opted to save the lives of our workers, then we were forced as have countless other companies to make payments to these groups, not that we at least have sympathized with these groups, simply had no other option. "

and was voluntarily report incidents to the Federal Justice Department. Rodriguez believes that this marks a distance with the nature of the crime of complicity, which is operated covertly in the demands on the company, said. "Chiquita was open and transparent and announced to the world what was happening in this situation and was voluntarily where the U.S. government, the Federal Justice Department, and stated that in fact we were with this dilemma and we disclose the situation, something he has not done any other company. "

The intersection of Chiquita went beyond just being pure in the market. He was through the lives of their workers, according to the statement of the Vice President for International Affairs, Mr. Rodriguez and the balance in this dilemma is inclined to the lives of their constituents. But the company says makes a difference with many others that suffered the same harassment. He chose to show through his risk to the U.S. authorities

The company Chiquita root of this failure has left Colombia. Settled all its operations in property and now only buy FOB. Manuel Rodriguez, considers it a disgrace to this country to live with this situation. "It is unfortunate that Colombia has passed, we believe that disclosing this to the rest of the world has raised awareness of the situation they face, not just U.S. companies, but European companies and international companies around the world."

Organic Inputs

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Organic Inputs

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Invitation Acorbat 2010

Page # 12

Colombia prepares for ACORBAT IXX of 2010 edition

ith the usual warmth R o berto Hoyos, President of AUGURA, reiterated to the banana in the city of Guayaquil, the invitation of the host Colombia, the issue of Acorbat IXX, to be held from 8 to November 12, 2010. The iconic president of the guild most important banana from Colombia and was accompanied by the Director of Cenibanano, Mr. John Jairo Aristizabal Duque and Sofia, Communications Manager, enterprises will have the logistics and development of Acorbat 2010. Colombia passed a good time having made its exports last year exported 95 million boxes to the U.S. market and Europe. Colombia's banana-growing area is well defined. In Uraba has about 33,000 hectares in the region of Magdalena, Martha Sana, with some 11,000 hectares. The average production is above the 2000 boxes per hectare. Roberto Hoyos Ruiz, is a charismatic leader who has remained in that difficult position for over 10 years and its goal has been to maintain a harmonious relationship between the producer and exporter sector with the backing of the ruling, which was crucial to maintain a relative lull in a sector such as Uraba, known in the past for its infestation to militarism.

the guilds with greater international recognition. Recently, their representatives participated in negotiations with the European Union privileged, they meant a substantial reduction in the area of banana tariffs. Roberto Hoyos, is aware of the challenge is to rearrange the most important conclave of world banana sector, representing the Association for Cooperation in Research and Integral Development of the Musaceae (Banana and Plantain) ACORBAT and reveals that the approach This Acorbat going to be a scientist with an emphasis on the cultivation of bananas, given the importance for food security of the people with this crop. Colombia's banana producers union members, leading a campaign with social responsibility that have multiple work fronts, which include women farm workers who lost their lives in combat fratricide that bleeds to Colombia for more than five decades. In Augura can talk about vertical integration of the banana business, which disregards the producer or the exporter. Its tools to support field research that makes it through CENIBANANO and social inclusion programs Banatura, among others.

In our next issue we will know more details AUGURA Guild and the new scientific evidence, that await the world AUGURA The strategy worked perfectly and today is one of banana producers in Medellin, Colombia.

Cutting edge technology

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Tracking the great challenge in Bananas T

raceability in food products: fruits, vegetables and fresh is one of the most important aspects in recent times and it means security and confidence for the consumer. The banana chain is not exempt from this requirement, but as well as Rodolfo Navarro says, until now the industry was only able to produce proof of traceability in a part of the chain, not the entire string of bananas. The familiar part of traceability in the banana, is from the pallet to the supermarket and not a general but detailed information. This leaves the consumer to some extent defenseless if there are problems with consumption per se of the fruit. Bringing traceability to the production of bananas has been a challenge that many have undertaken, but never completed the process.

that is slipped from the time until harvest and then come do a data collection 100% and not just a random sampling of two or three cluster per group.

Believes that new technology is significant progress and Ecuador, has been achieved with The post of this challenge recently took Agrosoft firm, software this type of technology the desired product traceability, which developer banana Banaxas BI and consulting firm, Professional will give more performance to Ecuadorian banana in every Computer Consulting, SA, Costa Rica, Rodolfo Navarro, who market. believe they've tied the ropes and have the solution for recording traceability in this part of the banana business, which is Navarro Engineer ensures that the issue of traceability has been production. haunting him in the head of sector for over ten years. In Costa Rica on several farms has been weighing the record through 多But what does that mean traceability? electronic scales. On several occasions, has also tried to put bar codes with different forms of reading, but to link that information Traceability is a set of actions, measures and technical proce- into a single database, resulting in a reading of traceability easy to dures to identify and register each product from its birth until follow had not been possible until now that you can integrate all the end of the chain. Traceability can track the production chain this information the software developed by Agrosoft, known as and gives producers the opportunity to place its products in Banaxass and Banaxass Trace. more profitable niche markets that require the This ultimately would certainty of the origin and allow the final the various stages of consumer or to production. identify a box at a supermarket where Bioterrorist Law, European he is coming the law and efficiency in product, who production processes are produces it and essential to ascertain traceunder what condiability of all production to tions was developed. remain competitive. In This information is modern production is very valuable to inconceivable without its producers in general data product traceability. because it gives a The experience of the high value to the banana industry ensures marketing of the Mr. Navarro, is well known product and security from the pallet to the gains in the final consumer. supermarket distribution of the fruit, but there is a large For further details of gap from planting until harvest banana. In this he has worked hard, for example in the the interview with engineer Rodolfo Navarro, a consultant, you weighing of the clusters using bar codes for traceability of all can view the video on our website.

Cutting edge technology

Page # 17

Tracking the Use Field Barcode in Clusters Release 2 Cárdenas X. Ing. Com. , Navarrete N. Ing. Agr. xcardenas@agrosoft.com.ec servicios2@agrosoft.com.ec

INTRODUCCIÓN The term traceability is defined, according to the Food Safety Committee AECOC, such as those established procedures and self-sufficient that account for the historical location and path of a product or batch of products along the supply chain at a time given by a certain tool. While it is true that the banana supply chain has been one of the most complex and geographically fragmented, it is also true that it is a challenge to run an effective system of traceability throughout the chain. Large companies which represent the highest echelons in the chain, covering an increased percentage in the banana industry are most efficient technologies and resources in the identification and traceability of product. On the other hand, the other end of the chain include small and medium companies with limited exposure to such technologies. The EAN • UCC Standards Application Guideline, within the guidelines determined for traceability in the banana supply chain, provides that the chain can be broken into the following processes: Production (field), Packaging, Transportation to the port, Cargo port, download port, maturation and distribution. There are considerations of traceability within each of these fragments in the chain. Some exporting or marketing of fruit, if not all, have in one way or another settled his "External Traceability," which allows them to know that finances came a certain product and the conditions under which it was subjected during the time the cargo from the packaging of fruit and arrival at the collection centers in consumer countries. The "Internal Traceability" or Production (field), which is generated on the farm still finds its limitations, although the considerations or guidelines exist for traceability. Traceability barcodes on the tape of the bunch, is a technological innovation aligned to the considerations of the EAN • UCC Standards Application Guideline that provides greater efficiency and control in the processes of production monitoring. The code handles the format EAN 13 (European

Article Number), which reads (Year, farm, lot, week, sequential single cluster, digit validator): Year 2010, farm 01, Lot 01, week 10, cluster 051, digit verifier 5 (Figure 1). Labels with the bar code is related to the records of all activities, w h e t h e r cultural or a g r i c u l t u ra l cultivation carried out in batch-level or directly in the cluster of the plant. The objectives sought with the research are to have access to an effective traceability applications of inputs and cultural practices within a given area or lot of product, improving the recovery line when the harvest of the product, control real estate inventory, lot and age of fruit in the field and have automatic weighing all bunches harvested at the packing plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS The research was conducted in the Haciendas "Follies," You have 120 organic located in Tenguel and Finance. La Piedad de 110 hectares, located in the Change Province of El Oro, Ecuador. Among the materials and methods of research are the use of the Software Traceability Banaxass.Trace barcode, with the platform management software v6 both banana Banaxass.Net Agrosoft Company, labels (stickers) for printing barcode printer barcode wand barcode, sheaves modified for easy reading of barcodes and electronic balance (weighing of all clusters).

Cutting edge technology

Page # 18

Printing labels. For printing labels using tracking software. On the screen of the process is to select the date (related to color the week and slipped - bagging), the number of labels per lot based on the appearances of the previous week (reference), and the name of the operator or the person responsible Performance of work in each batch as shown in (Figure 2). On this screen there are options for repayment of labels (surplus returning from the field), recovery of tags in the field (plants tacks or fall) and inventory of fruit age (color). After the selection of the quantities of labels to print, with the help of bar code printer (Figure 3), printed, wrapped rolls for each batch and sent to the cellar of the hacienda .

(figure 2).

Placing the label on the tape. For the work of slipped - bagging, the operator removes the hold the materials you need, caps, scarves, belts and rolls of labels for each batch. In making the inner core, the tape that ties the case (age of the cluster), places a label for the plot, as shown in (Figure 4). Recovery (harvest) of clusters with identification After cutting the cluster, it is placed on the pulley to lift the cover later. At this time, the receiver looks for the section of tape where the label was attached and placed in the (headbands) of the wheel changed to ensure ease of reading and posterior clusters in the courtyard of the optical reader (Figure 5) .

(ffigure 3).

The modified pulley consists of a welded steel plate together with 2 headbands (Figure 5). Upon arrival the courtyard of the bunch in the packing optical reader barcode reading done each of the clusters with the label on the wheel (Figure 5b and 6). (figure 4).

For the recovery in software packaging is used for traceability in the choice of label reading (Figure 5a), showing clusters harvested (by age and batch) and balances online age clusters at both the farm and level lot. Electronic Balance. Serves the actual weighing (Figure 7) and through the inlet port is connected to the optical sensor reading we all bunches per day cut in each process batch, and then integrate these weights and bar codes to Net Banaxass V6 software through integration and storage devices.

(figure 5.a).

(figure 5).

TecnologĂa de punta

PĂĄgina # 19 Sigatoka infection levels and to know the cultural practices (agricultural audits, quality execution of tasks) that developed during the time of cluster growth. 2 .- The implementation of this technology possible to control the clusters cut and "online" to know the balances prevailing field or clusters of clusters in the film "sweep." Also improved the control and physical identification of bunches per batch. 3 .- The age regain control in the packing became more efficient. The rate of recovery from sweeps tapes showed values between 98.5% and ensuring the harvest of all fruit wrapped and therefore an increase in production.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Within the banana management software records all applications of inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc) that were applied in the farm plot level. Such records detailing products, doses and amounts applied. As already mentioned, the sheathed clusters coding allows the identification of the lot from which the cluster of the same age and the person performing the work of the holster. The relationship between cluster identification (traceability software) and application records input (banana management software) allowed rely on reports such as the (Fig. 8) where there are any applications that received a particular cluster (Code: 0001011000515) during his time in the field until harvest. Also, when querying a code can obtain information on the level of infection of Sigatoka leaf samples (3, 4 and 5) and its evolution over the weeks as shown in (Fig. 9). Crossing this information with the application of inputs can see the effect of products on the infection. In addition to this, the query can also get the work done (% quality) in the consignment during the period in the field. Complementary to traceability, the tool allowed the control of the inventory of live fruit, that is able to monitor balances by age and especially the "ribbon bar." Breakdown by age (color belt) and harvested sheathed clusters, clusters of fruit rejected and stocks every week are some of the data presented in the report bolstered inventory and harvest (Figure 10). The percentage of recovery showed a higher efficiency (98.5% average) over the investigation. CONCLUSIONS 1 .- managed to secure the traceability of the cluster along the production process, with detailed information on all applications of agricultural inputs that occurred during the time in the field. Likewise, the encoding provided monitoring of the

4 .- With the electronic balance, we get 100% of the weight of fruit harvested, knowing the lot of weight at that day process which allowed us to view and analyze the reason for this weight if applied at the time of fertilization the same amount of product, and considering that there are other causes that may not give you a level of importance as: (irrigation, soil type, variety planted etc.).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Our fraternal gratitude to Mr. Manuel Valdivieso producers owner of the Hacienda Follies and RaĂşl Noblecilla, owner of Hacienda Pity for technical and logistical support in carrying out the research. Finally the whole crew banana Agriculture Systems and developer of ICT to which we belong in Agrosoft.

Event Photos AEBE

Page # 20

Seventh International Forum Photo Gallery of Banana, AEBE

Event Photos AEBE

Page # 21

Seventh International Forum Photo Gallery of Banana, AEBE

Event Photos AEBE

Page # 22

Seventh International Forum Photo Gallery of Banana, AEBE

Page 23

Opinion

Bananas and Great Recession Walter Spurrier Baquerizo, a renowned economist, who lead Group Spurrier, a weekly that circulates economic analysis on line by subscription. Is a columnist for the Daily Universe. The article published by Banana Export, appeared in the edition of 2010/04/25.

多How did the banana during the Great Recession? It was always said that Ecuador produces desserts and therefore we are fragile in crisis, the first First World consumers will not eat bananas before leaving to buy cars or refrigerators. This worried the FAO. In late 2009 noted that the banana market penetration gained in recent decades, and warned that "a larger market is more susceptible to a fall in purchasing power than it was before." But after warning, FAO conveys optimism: "The Great Recession impacts on import demand for bananas ... be less significant than for other commodities, largely due to the low sensitivity of consumption of the fruit to the change in revenues, compared to other commodities. " The desserts were not as fragile, with exports of consumer durables other countries suffered the most. Perhaps the people Northern European consumerAmerican or bought bananas instead of peaches and pears

because it is cheaper, and postponed the change of car or television set for not having money. The world banana market declined in 2008 and 2009.

a year earlier. Costa Rica hopes to increase its exports by 23% in volume, which suggests an international market best served and that the price could fall further.

In the EU consumption fell 7.1% in volume and 5.8% in value in 2009. But it was good year for Ecuador because of the misfortune of others: Costa Rica experienced weather problems.

The solution to the crisis seem to require that the currencies of the central countries, dollar, euro and yen to depreciate in relation to those in emerging markets, particularly those countries that grew the last decade export base. But then, including the euro is weak against the dollar as Europe take longer to resolve the crisis.

Two thousand and nine years of the Great Recession, banana exports from Ecuador, wild beasts grew 4.3% to 4.9 million tonnes. In value terms, grew an extraordinary 21.7%. True, this value is a political price that may or may not reflect market fluctuations, but in 2009 there were no major complaints from producers on how to not pay the official price, so we presume that not only export more bananas, but a better price. For 2010, the FAO projects a 2% growth in the global market. But Chiquita warns that in the first quarter of the price of bananas in Europe was 11% below their level

For bananas from Ecuador dollarized curly and other countries that tie their currencies to the dollar, as the Central Americans, this behavior of the dollar has two effects: the benefits against the Colombian banana, since the weight would be one revalue currencies , but the Ecuadorian banana banana lose competitiveness against protected from countries in Africa and the Caribbean with currencies pegged to the euro. We go out gracefully from the international crisis, but the recovery phase is outlined ominous.

Fuente: USAID

BANANAS MANZANO - 15 lb cartons -

14.00

14.00 14.00

BALTIMORE 05/21/2010 BANANAS - RED - 20 lb cartons -

14.00 -

13.00 13.00

BALTIMORE 05/21/2010 BANANAS - BABY 15 lb cartons -

05/21/2010

16.50 16.50

BALTIMORE 05/21/2010 BANANAS - cartons containerized -

BALTIMORE -

16.50 16.50

05/21/2010

23.00 23.00

BALTIMORE 05/21/2010 BANANAS - Organic 40 lb cartons -

BALTIMORE BANANAS - 20 lb cartons -

15.00 17.00

05/21/2010

10.50 13.00

ATLANTA 05/21/2010 BANANAS - BABY 15 lb cartons -

BALTIMORE BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

19.00 19.00

ATLANTA 05/21/2010 BANANAS - Organic cartons containerized -

17.00 18.00

ATLANTA 05/21/2010 BANANAS - cartons containerized -

05/21/2010

16.00 17.00

ATLANTA 05/21/2010 BANANAS - cartons institutional pack -

BALTIMORE BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

12.50 12.50

LowHigh Price

05/21/2010

ATLANTA BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

Date

16.00 16.00

17.00 17.00

12.00 13.00

IMPORTS

Mostly Origin LowHigh

NONE

petite

NONE

FR QUAL

NONE

STEADY.

NONE

Origin Item Color Enviro Unit of Quality Condition Appearan Storage Crop Repac Trans Offering Market Price Comment District Size nment Sale ce ked Mode s Tone Comment s

Market Prices Page # 24

Banana prices in the U.S., in different port of arrival to May 21, 2010

15.00 -

05/21/2010

BOSTON -

13.50 -

05/21/2010

CHICAGO -

Fuente: USAID

MANZANO - 10 kg cartons -

COLUMBIA BANANAS -

05/21/2010

17.50 18.00

COLUMBIA 05/21/2010 BANANAS - cartons containerized -

13.00 13.00

18.00

17.50 -

05/21/2010

BANANAS - cartons containerized -

COLUMBIA -

12.00 12.00

05/21/2010

COLUMBIA BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

BANANAS - BABY 15 lb cartons -

15.00

21.00 24.00

CHICAGO 05/21/2010 BANANAS - Organic -

40 lb cartons -

14.00 17.00

05/21/2010

CHICAGO BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

16.00

14.00 -

05/21/2010

BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

CHICAGO -

12.00 13.00

24.00

22.50 -

17.00

BOSTON 05/21/2010 BANANAS - BABY 15 lb cartons -

cartons containerized -

05/21/2010 BOSTON BANANAS - Organic -

containerized -

BANANAS - cartons

17.00

16.00 -

05/21/2010

BANANAS - cartons institutional pack -

BOSTON -

14.00 14.00

LowHigh Price

BALTIMORE 05/21/2010 BANANAS - BURRO - 15 lb cartons -

Date

21.00 22.00

16.00 16.00

17.00

16.00 -

16.00

16.00 -

IMPORTS

Mostly Origin LowHigh

NONE

YELLO

NONE

NONE GREEN

NONE

NONE GREEN

NONE

sml

lge

petite

NONE

FR QUAL

NONE

FR QUAL

NONE

STEADY.

NONE

few lower

NONE

Origin Item Color Enviro Unit of Quality Condition Appearan Storage Crop Repac Trans Offering Market Price Comment District Size nment Sale ce ked Mode s Tone Comment s

Market Prices Page # 25

Banana prices in the U.S., in different port of arrival to May 21, 2010

22.50 -

26.00 26.00

DALLAS - BANANAS 05/21/2010

DALLAS - BANANAS 05/21/2010 - RED - 20 lb cartons

15.85 -

05/21/2010

DETROIT -

22.00 22.50

15.00 -

LOS ANGELES - 05/21/2010 BANANAS - Organic 40 lb cartons -

05/21/2010

LOS ANGELES -

Fuente: USAID

LOS ANGELES -

BANANAS - cartons institutional pack -

05/21/2010

12.00 12.50

05/21/2010

cartons -

LOS ANGELES BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

10.00 -

16.50

15.00 16.00

05/21/2010

LOS ANGELES BANANAS - 40 lb

14.75 15.25

05/21/2010

DETROIT BANANAS MANZANO - 20 lb cartons -

BANANAS - BABY 20 lb cartons -

15.85

24.00 24.00

DETROIT 05/21/2010 BANANAS - Organic -

40 lb cartons -

16.00 16.50

17.50

17.00 -

05/21/2010

DETROIT BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

DETROIT -

05/21/2010

16.00 17.00

DALLAS - BANANAS 05/21/2010 - 40 lb cartons -

22.50

19.50 20.00

DALLAS - BANANAS 05/21/2010 - 40 lb cartons -

- BABY - 40 lb cartons -

18.00 20.00

LowHigh Price

DALLAS - BANANAS 05/21/2010 - 40 lb cartons -

Date

11.00 -

15.00 15.50

17.00 17.00

19.00 19.50

ECUADOR

IMPORTS

MEXICO

IMPORTS

COLOMBI A

IMPORTS

COLOMBI

MEXICO

GUATEMA LA

COSTA RICA

Mostly Origin LowHigh

NONE

petite

NONE

FR QUAL

NONE

FINEAPPEAR

NONE

Boat

NONE

lower

NONE

few low as 18.00

NONE

poorer condition

NONE

few lower

NONE

STEADY. occas high as

STEADY.

NONE

STEADY.

NONE

Origin Item Color Enviro Unit of Quality Condition Appearan Storage Crop Repac Trans Offering Market Price Comment District Size nment Sale ce ked Mode s Tone Comment s

Market Prices Page # 26

Banana prices in the U.S., in different port of arrival to May 21, 2010

11.00 -

12.00

12.00 12.00

15.00 16.00

11.00 11.00

17.00 -

25.00 25.00

10.00 10.00

LOS ANGELES - 05/21/2010 BANANAS - BURRO - 40 lb cartons -

MIAMI - BANANAS - 05/21/2010 40 lb cartons -

05/21/2010

NEW YORK 05/21/2010 BANANAS - Organic 40 lb cartons bagged

NEW YORK 05/21/2010 BANANAS - BABY -

05/21/2010

PHILADELPHIA BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

PHILADELPHIA -

Fuente: USAID

05/21/2010

PHILADELPHIA BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

13.00 -

16.00 17.00

16.50 17.00

16.00 16.00

IMPORTS

NONE

PARIS - BANANAS - 05/21/2010 .98 - 1.02 1.00 - 1.00 WESTERN 18 kg cartons AFRICA

15.50 16.00

NONE

PARIS - BANANAS - 05/21/2010 .98 - 1.02 1.00 - 1.00 IMPORTS 18 kg cartons -

18 kg cartons -

15 lb cartons -

NONE

PARIS - BANANAS - 05/21/2010 .98 - 1.02 1.00 - 1.00 DOMINICA

IMPORTS

MEXICO

COLOMBI

ECUADOR

NONE

sml

NONE

NONE GREEN

NONE

PER KG

NONE

FR QUAL

NONE

FR QUAL

FINE QUAL

FINE

QUAL

NONE

FR COND

NONE

Boat

NONE

STEADY.

NONE

STEADY.

NONE

20.00

few 19.50-

few lower

few higher

few lower

NONE

12.50

NONE

Origin Item Color Enviro Unit of Quality Condition Appearan Storage Crop Repac Trans Offering Market Price Comment District Size nment Sale ce ked Mode s Tone Comment s

NONE

16.00 16.00

11.00

11.00 -

11.00

Mostly Origin LowHigh

IMPORTS

NEW YORK BANANAS - 40 lb cartons bagged -

19.00

16.00 -

05/21/2010

BANANAS MANZANO - 20 lb cartons -

LOS ANGELES -

18.00

12.00 13.50

LOS ANGELES - 05/21/2010 BANANAS - RED - 20

lb cartons -

11.00

LowHigh Price

BANANAS - BABY 15 lb cartons -

Date

Market Prices Page # 27

Banana prices in the U.S., in different port of arrival to May 21, 2010

18.00 -

17.50 17.50

05/21/2010

PHILADELPHIA - 05/21/2010 BANANAS - cartons containerized -

PHILADELPHIA -

05/21/2010

PITTSBURGH -

22.00 24.00

10.00 -

20.00 22.00

12.00 13.00

SAN FRANCISCO - 05/21/2010 BANANAS - Organic 40 lb cartons -

SAN FRANCISCO - 05/21/2010

SAN FRANCISCO - 05/21/2010 BANANAS MANZANO - 20 lb cartons -

SAN FRANCISCO - 05/21/2010 BANANAS - SABA -

13.00 15.00

SEATTLE 05/21/2010 BANANAS - BABY -

Fuente: USAID

19.00 22.00

11.00

05/21/2010

SEATTLE BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

40 lb cartons -

BANANAS - BABY 15 lb cartons -

18.00

16.00 -

SAN FRANCISCO - 05/21/2010

BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

17.75 18.50

19.50

16.50 -

12.50 15.00

05/21/2010

PITTSBURGH BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

cartons -

05/21/2010

PITTSBURGH BANANAS - 40 lb

BANANAS - cartons institutional pack -

18.00

16.00 16.00

05/21/2010

PHILADELPHIA BANANAS - 40 lb

cartons bagged -

13.00

LowHigh Price

BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

Date

14.00 15.00

19.50 21.50

11.00

11.00 -

19.50

18.50 -

13.00 13.00

ECUADOR

IMPORTS

MEXICO

COLOMBI A

GUATEMA

IMPORTS

Mostly Origin LowHigh

NONE

petite

NONE

petite

NONE

FR QUAL

NONE

Boat

NONE

STEADY.

few higher

NONE

few 25.0026.00

fair qual

14.00-15.00

NONE

Origin Item Color Enviro Unit of Quality Condition Appearan Storage Crop Repac Trans Offering Market Price Comment District Size nment Sale ce ked Mode s Tone Comment s

Market Prices Page # 28

Banana prices in the U.S., in different port of arrival to May 21, 2010

18.00 -

17.50 17.50

05/21/2010

PHILADELPHIA - 05/21/2010 BANANAS - cartons containerized -

PHILADELPHIA -

05/21/2010

PITTSBURGH -

22.00 24.00

10.00 -

20.00 22.00

12.00 13.00

SAN FRANCISCO - 05/21/2010 BANANAS - Organic 40 lb cartons -

SAN FRANCISCO - 05/21/2010

SAN FRANCISCO - 05/21/2010 BANANAS MANZANO - 20 lb cartons -

SAN FRANCISCO - 05/21/2010 BANANAS - SABA -

13.00 15.00

SEATTLE 05/21/2010 BANANAS - BABY -

Fuente: USAID

19.00 22.00

11.00

05/21/2010

SEATTLE BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

40 lb cartons -

BANANAS - BABY 15 lb cartons -

18.00

16.00 -

SAN FRANCISCO - 05/21/2010

BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

17.75 18.50

19.50

16.50 -

12.50 15.00

05/21/2010

PITTSBURGH BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

cartons -

05/21/2010

PITTSBURGH BANANAS - 40 lb

BANANAS - cartons institutional pack -

18.00

16.00 16.00

05/21/2010

PHILADELPHIA BANANAS - 40 lb

cartons bagged -

13.00

LowHigh Price

BANANAS - 40 lb cartons -

Date

14.00 15.00

19.50 21.50

11.00

11.00 -

19.50

18.50 -

13.00 13.00

ECUADOR

IMPORTS

MEXICO

COLOMBI A

GUATEMA

IMPORTS

Mostly Origin LowHigh

NONE

petite

NONE

petite

NONE

FR QUAL

NONE

Boat

NONE

STEADY.

few higher

NONE

few 25.0026.00

fair qual

14.00-15.00

NONE

Origin Item Color Enviro Unit of Quality Condition Appearan Storage Crop Repac Trans Offering Market Price Comment District Size nment Sale ce ked Mode s Tone Comment s

Market Prices Page # 29

Banana prices in the U.S., in different port of arrival to May 21, 2010

Page # 30

Market Prices

NONE NONE STEADY. N

NONE N

NONE NONE

NONE

NONE NONE

NONE

73.159

5.633.324

78.665

4.581.936

4.365.682

124.193

81.563

5.938.348

4.571.438

233.194

73.641

6.245.183

5.132.353

195.524

94.189

5.564.793

5.422.066

150.200

95.017

5.810.010

5.671.210

196.789

96.653

5.678.503

5.964.652

126.766

93.940

5.899.209

4.618.141

160.644

77.940

5.428.815

4.856.725

171.186

88.961

5.688.962

5.692.728

173.721

92.421

6.518.349

5.958.874

189.873

80.784

6.789.006

4.853.056

159.783

17 1

125.529

5.358.135 3 8 13

5.138.368

168 168.847

99.303 99 303

4.288.513

5.626.285 626 28

131.617

77.377

4.497.507

TOTAL

95.856.047

3.046.320

1.566.762

100.469.133

PROMEDIO

5.325.336

169.240

87.042

SEMANA

NONE

Fuente: USAID

21.80

21.80 05/21/2010

BANANAS - Organic 40 lb cartons -

cartons -

ST. LOUIS -

05/21/2010 BANANAS - 40 lb

cartons -

ST. LOUIS -

12.00

10.00 -

IMPORTS

NONE

NONE NONE IMPORTS 16.80 17.80 05/21/2010

lb cartons -

ST. LOUIS BANANAS - 40 lb

5.646.584

EMBARQUE POR PUERTO ECUADOR A SEMANA 18-2010 en cajas

NONE

194.083 167.771

NONE

5.366.082 4.335.500

NONE

FR QUAL

NONE

6.053.404 6.303.629

NONE

67.452 87.532

NONE

166.271 204.320

NONE

TOTAL 5.428.555

82.636 82.636

5.819.681

NONE NONE ECUADOR 19.50 21.50

208

131.538 131.538

6.011.777

19.00 22.50

ORGÁNICO

NONE

NONE NONE

NONE

NONE NONE STEADY. NONE

NONE few higher STEADY. NONE

NONE few lower STEADY.

5.214.381

NONE

22XU

NONE 20 lb cartons -

SEMANA

SEATTLE 05/21/2010 BANANAS - RED - 20

Mostly Origin LowHigh LowHigh Price Date

EMBARQUE POR TIPO DE CAJA ECUAODR SEMANA 18-2010 en cajas

NONE

Origin Item Color Enviro Unit of Quality Condition Appearan Storage Crop Repac Trans Offering Market Price Comment District Size nment Sale ce ked Mode s Tone Comment s

Banana prices in the U.S., in different port of arrival to May 21, 2010

TOTAL

GUAYAQUIL

PTO.BOLÍVAR

5.428.555

3.356.292

2.072.263 2.072.263

6.053.404

4.018.089

2.035.315

6.303.629

4.209.283

2.094.346

5.633.324

3.907.359

1.725.965

4.581.936

3.010.297

1.571.638

4.571.438

3.134.258

1.437.180

6.245.183

3.769.334

2.475.849

5.422.066

3.611.290

1.810.777

5.810.010

3.696.804

2.113.206

5.964.652

4.355.118

1.609.534

5.899.209

4.143.001

1.756.208

4.856.725

3.278.877

1.577.848

5.688.962

3.867.336

1.821.626

5.958.874

3.481.265

2.477.606

6.789.006

4.884.162

1.904.844

5.138.368

3.342.770

1.795.598

1 17

5.626.286 626 286

3.736.563 3 36 63

1.889 889.723 23

4.497.507

2.767.354

1.730.153

100.469.131

66.569.452

33.899.679

5.581.619

3.698.303

1.883.316

TOTAL PROMEDIO

Export Analysis

Page # 31

Good winds, good market

hile the government skims margaritas, exported, not exported, exported, not exported, this market in relation to Iran, the banana industry is discussed in the uncertainty of their traditional markets crisis aggravated by the economic bubble, which does not finish economies and threatens to bring down a weak drag Europe into chaos, as the recent case of Greece, which had to be leveraged with a strong International Monetary Fund loan. This tightrope are also Portugal, Italy and Spain. There is no doubt that the banana is probably one of the products that have gone largely unscathed from this crisis. In 2008 at the end, to the highest peak of the crisis hit some prices and volumes, but the good start of the year in positive figures rounding. Expected a catastrophic start in the high season of 2009. Fortunately, the market performance was equally strong in previous years in the first six months. The closure is always characterized by a contraction in prices and lower demand. Ecuador again posted record. 2009 predicted a big break in 2010. This did not happen and there was a fall counterpart in prices and demand in Europe. The U.S. market had shown a significant recovery in consumption in 2009, returned to stagnate in the first weeks of 2010, but has returned to resume its pace. Russia is a market that has largely grown in recent

years, thanks to the recovery of purchasing power of their citizens, but the crisis has also reached those Lares and the bell gave the first weeks of 2010 with a contraction in purchase, which in our powerful dragged the Russian company established in the country, Bonanza. When importers are betting on Russia's May holiday, because they are always a positive stimulus to demand. But not all bad news for the week of 18 we do this analysis, an improvement in all European markets with a recovery in prices in some market markers, such as France and Germany. In other markets such as Italy have tended to stabilize prices and demand reach record highs again. In Eastern Europe have been strengthened due to the re exports of Western Europe, where supply has been lower due to limited availability of fruit. In spite of an erratic start to the year and a random intermediate in weeks 9 and 10, the Ecuadorian banana exports, continue to lead the market. Average weekly reach 5.5 million cases and the average price of the box has not been less than five dollars. The official price is set at U.S. $ 5.40. It is still too early to predict any outcome, however the clouds dissipate and the market appear every indication that the domestic industry of banana, will be strengthened in this crop year 2010.

Tax Controversy

Page # 32

Glossed Noboa Banana Republic

he company's flagship Banana Exporting Noboa, the billionaire politician, Alvaro Noboa Ponton, was formally notified on 19 May, officials from the Internal Revenue System of Ecuador (SRI), with a gloss of 85 million dollars due to a alleged irregularity for the fiscal year 2005. Carlos Marx Carrasco, Director of SRI, told several media outlets said that after a long tax and judicial process, led by the Second Chamber of the Court of the District Attorney, based in Guayaquil, the audit confirmed SRI by the company Noboa, who instructs

the payment of taxes in 2005, the and the problem was not the source company sales legerdemain to hide of information that helped in the process is determinative Ministry more than $ 200 million. official U.S. agriculture, if the problem Marx Carrasco, he revealed, is taken as is not that the problem is that the reference in the audit process the taxpayer claims to have sold to an information from the Ministry of Agri- intermediary, which is located in a tax culture, U.S. on the CIF value of the haven, he said that he sold to the U.S., box, due to the inconsistency of the no states that he sold to Europe, says it figures presented by the declarant, sold to the intermediary is in a tax which shows that the fruit was sold to haven that is the problem and so we an intermediary located in a tax haven were obliged to apply the law accordand not to final markets in the U.S., or ing to the transfer pricing methodolEurope. "We conducted the investiga- ogy. " tion and found that they hid income by more than 200 million dollars, this He added that this is the first time we is what you do not tell the country apply the law in an ethical manner.

Tax Controversy

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Noboa Group is ranked 59 among 62 economic groups identified by the IRS, reporting low incomes despite their economic power. Marx Carrasco, points out that the tax burden or tax pension group is just 0.34 and Noboa Banana case, the tax burden has shifted over the history between 0.1 and 0.2 percent, reaching the end in 2009, did not pay anything. Reported a loss of three million dollars and therefore the income tax was zero.

tic figures drawn from the Ministry of Agriculture of the United States. He claims they are taking prices of ripe fruit and green, which is like Noboa banana markets.

He added that it is true that the company paid a little over $ 250,000 in 2005, but actual sales were close to $ 300 million, so it was never reasonable taxation. He adds that with this type of tax not only hurts the country, but also workers who are not paid the utilities for these high income.

Alvaro Noboa, said to be a victim of political persecution and says that Noboa Banana is located in the white list of SRI, so bad could be the debtor. However, the IRS gave him 48 hours to present exculpatory evidence before the court's decision enforceable.

Noboa has no debt Export

Alvaro Noboa Ponton, is one of the wealthiest men in Latin America. According to Forbes magazine, his fortune is estimated at more than 1.5 billion dollars. The Noboa Group, is made up of over 120 companies, some of these strategically located in the sectors of agricultural production and marketing. His company's flagship Banana Exporting Noboa, who in 2009, was ranked in third place among the largest exporters of bananas. In the world is considered the fourth largest multinational fruit sales by more than 50 million boxes of bananas in the major world markets

Through a newsletter, the Banana Export main Noboa, Alvaro Noboa, says his company does not hold any debt with the IRS and cited that in 2005, posted revenue of 1'219 $ 851 and paid $ 259,218. In the same report rejects the gloss and holds that any other banana have given this punishment so that confirms there is a persecution of the SRI. For his part counsel for the company, Fernando Alarcon, challenges the methodology used by the IRS to determine the amount and rate of unrealis-

Notification of the gloss was formally handed over by officials of the SRI, on 19 May in the premises of the Banana Export Noboa, located in the Upper Atlas building in Orellana Avenue in the city of Guayaquil.

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Business

Favorita Fruit Holding Company, consolidated banana business The Favorita Fruit Holding Comany, component Wong Group companies, including highlights and Fertisa Reybanpac companies that have great social impact because of its strategic location in the country's agricultural sector to generate foreign exchange and labor. The chairman of the Holding, Eco. Vicente Wong Naranjo spoke with Banana Export, on the expectations of the banana business in Ecuador.

¿W

hat is Mr. Wong, the State negociaiones go ahead to sell fruit from bananas to Iran?

Between Libya, including Iran and that what we now talk of China. The truth is I just let us focus the concept, and it really is done I think it's good for the producer because this is a very difficult year precisely as I see, so being able to get to have a contract with a price fixed and in itself is good ¿Does the price how is Mr. Wong at the time?. Well the price is an official price, what do official price below that is another problem, says there are below the official price. ¿Is your opinion of the adjust-

ment, the banana market through contracts and especially through the description of the banana fields?. I think conceptually is to order the industry to the extent of social, environmental and documentaries, for example, it tells me you banana areas, I think that's very necessary, we must keep records of each one of the producers and each of the players in the business, now the problem is that this will do for everything, not just for one and others ¿And the group has registered their areas Wong?. Totally and many years after he was released this regulation is not new it was done and the problem is as I say that this has not been compliance, look up now asked for

further extending this period and that is something that can not be ¿For how low levels of productivity in the country have barely 1300 boxes per hectare according to the latest information AEBE, what you think about you. why do not we can arrive at more competitive through productivity and our neighbors?. I think we have. You are talking about the overall industry average, but here are farms 3,000 hectares or 3,500 boxes this year than average with very good quality, that is why we are recognized worldwide for quality and productivity. I would say that there is a 40 or 50 percent of farms that have high productivity, high above, which is comparable to Central America the problem.

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Business

we must also understand that there is a system of small

lower, around $ 1.50 a small box. Look at the difference

farms say so, especially in the Golden area where there

now with the passage of time and with dollarization. We

are lower productivity, but also care because the costs

have over 34 players exporters and 150 companies

of these farms are also much lower, responding to a

registered for export, we have a cost that exceeds $ 4.50

reality of family it is those who work there, then they are

per box and have freight that to arrive there, are on the

realities that are not comparable. One is an extensive

order of $ 3 and a bit on the small box, but are different

area of high productivity businesses, and the others are,

realities. I understand that there is initiative to get to

say and subsistence agriculture. 多Why should the success of his father inthe business with Asia, especially China, and we could not us or by other exporters achieve the same success in negotiations?. Well, first for my father back in 83 had the opportunity to go on a business trip with former President Hurtado

negotiate with the Chinese government and hopefully I can achieve, I think it is necessary at this time for banana producers "In the case of the group having conventional bananas WONG and environmentally friendly banana, how they will with that market segmentation in terms of business?.

and to open this huge market of China, are totally different realities. At that time there were only four major

All that being differentiated at the moment, I think it has

exporters were many, there was also the issue of over-

its value, I think in difficult conditions as we live current

supply of bananas and thanks to these contracts could

oversupply and price differentiation plays an important

derive much fruit at this time. The cost of our fruit was

role to really compete in better shape in the interna-

less than $ 1.50 the box and the rates were substantially

tional market.

First shipment to China Sale T

he state banana company, sent in the penultimate week of May, a first trial shipment of 1500 boxes of bananas to the People's Republic of China. The government hopes to realize a shipment of 1 million cases per week in the last quarter of this year. Richard Salazar, an official of the Unit of Banana, the MAGAP in charge of the export process, revealed that this first shipment is to assess the shipping times of the fruit. He explained that the Asian market has not been very competitive in the distance and travel time. The ships take between 40 and 45 days to arrive with the fruit to the ports of the East, which increases the cost of shipping and jeopardizes the quality of bananas. He emphasized that the objective of the state banana company, with an initial capital of $ 30 million to its procurement and logistics, has no interest in competing with exporters formal market, but to regulate the market, especially in demand falls, which are usually given in the last quarter of each year. The government through the Chamber of Agriculture of the Area II, will contact the banana farmers, who will benefit from the purchase of the fruit for export to China.

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Business

Bayer CropScience in tune with new trends in the market of plant protection Food Chain Partnership means that we are with the producer working on specific projects in which we cover the entire food chain from producer to consumer so that all are satisfied. Ronald E. Guedel, Food Chain Management. Bayer CropScience

very day, new players in the agrochemical market, this was unusual seen in the 90s when many mergers were important, they did think that after several subdivisions that had in the agrochemical industry, was the time of regrouping and consolidation of traditional agricultural business firms. The new players coming in at the industry in general goes through critical moments in not finding new molecules to the same old problems, which are reprinted in agriculture.

The overall market has changed and new trends is to find solutions that are less expensive and friendlier to the environment and farm workers. The laws of European countries and North America are now more demanding of the exculpatory evidence on the possible effects on applicators of agricultural chemicals and residues of traceability in fruit or vegetable to the final consumer. In this context the international journal Infoagro, conducted an interview with Ronald E. Guedel, Food Chain Management. Bayer CropScience, with respect to new trends in the market of plant protection and how Bayer faces the challenge that Banana Export, presents its readers.

Business

Page # 35

Bayer CropScience is a company dedicated to the marketing of plant protection products. Through innovation and production of new molecules, Bayer CropScience seeks to solve the problems of farmers.

try to use our name in a way that is unethical and is something we are always defendiéndonos, because we are a serious company focused on innovation, aimed at improving and our goal is definitely the atmosphere of the producer and provide solutions that truly sustainable over the long term.

¿What is the concept for your company Food Chain Partnership?.

¿What is the trend in production and marketing of fruit and vegetables in Europe?.

Food Chain Partnership means that we are with the producer working on specific projects in which we cover the entire food chain from producer to consumer so that all are satisfied. We are very specific projects in that area throughout the world and especially in Spain, where some of the major projects in important areas, con-We think that will expand.

What we see, such as Bayer, is that the market of vegetables and fruits is a fully globalized market. And we will see a lot more imports from Latin American countries to Europe and to some extent on export of these European countries also to those countries where they have better business today. We see from the concept of globalization as a great opportunity for all producers in the world, which may trade depending on the degree of technology and environmental facilities depending on each country has.

¿Mr. Ronald, what is the main activity it conducts its business?.

¿Especially in recent years there are matters that are banning how does the development of new products?. Bayer is a company dedicated to innovation and precisely our goal is to develop innovative products that are much more respectful of the environment, that are much too friendly with the producer, and that was our goal in recent years and we have achieved with excellent products. Besides that we have a whole guardianship program has been instrumental in protecting some ancient molecules. ¿Mr. Ronald, what exactly does the guardianship program?. The guardianship program is to first educate the producer on the suitability of the product, second, to use all appropriate measures from labor standpoint and from the environmental point of view and they have products with returnable packaging, we try that there is no effect against the environment, etc.. It is a training process and a process, especially of producer-oriented environmental education. ¿What are the key business risks for this year?. For serious companies such as Bayer, the main damage is the lack of ethics of some other companies trying to steal our ideas,

¿Mr. Ronald, do you consider the market of plant protection products is growing or at what stage we are now with respect to consumption of pesticides?. What we feel is that there is a great opportunity with new products and that's obviously the market grows at the same time we come with innovative solutions which involved several features, like all the custody, all part of partnership with producers trying to find the best tools for the products are used in the best way. If we feel that from that point of view, innovative companies like Bayer are going to take the lead because there are products within all these ranges are to be replaced by new products, more innovative products, products much more attractive to the producer. ¿From the standpoint of Bayer how about the single European register?. Since Bayer, the European single record is an opportunity, will provide the entire marketing process for plant protection products and at the same time what our favor is the harmonization of MRLs, where, after welldesigned studies by working groups technical, facilitate the entire process of registration and marketing of products.

Global Business

Page # 38

Ecuador is outside the European Free Trade Agreement

"I think we are making the biggest mistake of life, because we are providing the death certificate to an industry like banana." AB. Eduard Ledesma, Executive Director AEBE. "Trade agreements allow developing nations, as is unfortunately Ecuador, have a real capacity for growth based on exports, because trade agreements which is achieved not only export more, but the attraction of investments that can be produce more. " Ecuadorean President of Business Committee, Blasco Penaherrera.

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Global Business

fter the plant which made the country the year before the signing of an FTA with Europe, citing differences in the tariff for bananas, the signing of an FTA with the EU seems to be diluted and that the government does not fit the concept global of a free market negotiations and aims to impose a "Commercial Development Agreement", which provide other non-economic aspects such as migration. Representatives of the productive sectors of the opinion that the country is brought by the hair and the only thing he has done is to miss the opportunity to relaunch Ecuadorian exports to this important market. Business Committee Chairman Ecuador, Blasco Penaherrera, has criticized the government's stance and said that the country has "squandered a unique opportunity" Blasco Penaherrera, believes that within three years of rule by Correa, has not signed a trade agreement that benefits only to Ecuador. He points out that "trade agreements allow developing nations, as is unfortunately Ecuador, have a real capacity for growth based on exports, because trade agreements which is achieved not only export more, but the attraction of investment to can produce more. " Estimated that countries like Colombia and

Peru, which at the end of May, ratified the signing of a FTA with Europe, "have taken a lot of advantage" that has Ecuador and Ecuadorian products will become "extremely sensitive." In similar terms the AB ruled. Eduardo Ledesma, Executive Director of the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE), who said he was terrified to think that the EU., To make concessions over which makes him to Colombia, Peru and Central America and Panama. I do not think he said. "If Ecuador and we think positive, I think the settlement is to negotiate and to gain something and give to another. Both parties, but if you think the Ecuador to achieve an additional benefit we are on the wrong direction. I'm not saying this is not the goal, the goal is to try to take as much advantage, but if we do not get their benefits and do not sign, I think we are making the biggest mistake of life, because we are providing the death certificate an industry like banana. " He added, Ledesma. Ledesma said that the consequences of staying out of the negotiations carried out by Colombia and Peru, will be in the short term because the tariff differential is charged in the cost of the box, which initially will be a few cents, but as the arrangement is tax-free tariffs for the NAFTA countries., can be reached in the next decade to a difference of one dollar per box, which will by then the country out of the market.

Cyti Radio News, interviewed AB. Eduardo Ledesma, on the possible consequences of not signing a FTA with Europe. Their statements were reproduced in color box.

多Why the banana industry would be one of the most affected in the unlikely event of failure to sign a FTA with the EU? Firstly that the Ecuador part of our main competitors Colombia, Costa Rica, regardless of Africa that has a zero entry fee and other Pacific countries and the Caribbean. Ecuador, like its competitors have the same tariff that is 176 euros, but the Ecuador additionally for being in the center of the world, has to pass the Panama Canal, which does not pass our competitors and this is already facing the Ecuadorian fruit in about two dollars. The fruit is worth six dollars and fifty Colombian, Costa Rican fruit is worth seven dollars and fifty, the Ecuadorian fruit FOB seven dollars worth two dollars, nine U.S. dollars much more expensive than the others. If this is added that Ecuador does not sign a trade agreement with the EU., As signed and Colombia, Peru and how they are going to sign all Central American countries and Panama, began the first year of the quota for these countries is 145 euros and the tsp for Ecuador signed the WTO agreement is 148 euros per tonne, that means that for every box of bananas they buy to Ecuador will be 0.8 cents more expensive than the others, and why you make a difference, a small difference if you want to see it, but in volume, if a company buys 20 million boxes, 10 million boxes represents $ 160,000 in the first case and $ 80,000 in the second. That would be the biggest impact initially, but let's not forget that this fee is tax-deductible in greater proportions than the WTO, so that in five years, Ecuador's banana box cost 40 or 50 cents more and after a 2019, 10 years or so will be a differential of $ 1, then I wonder if I have to buy 20 million cases of Ecuador and I have to pay for those 20 million boxes more than 20 million of Colombia, the of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras because I'm not going to lose 20 million dollars, because I will not recover, then I will buy fruit in other countries, not only that I will buy fruit in other countries but I will invest in other countries to plant more bananas, and leave you with this go to Ecuador, with 70 million cases will not have as a place in the EU.