"The global economy which is constructed from its violent history is one marked as coercion as it is by trade. The long era of this coercion ensures that some parts of the world benefit from the materials, cheap, or free labour and ready markets of other areas- and uneven development comes to be the main story of international capitalism" (Bhattachrrya, Gabriel and Small 34).
Bananas, one of the most popular fruit being imported all over the world, also has many health benefits. In fact, it is known to have high levels of Potassium, Magnesium and B6, to help regulate high blood pressure, control anxiety, and alleviate stomach discomfort. There are many reasons why many Americans and others alike across the globe consume this fruit even for the mere fact that it just taste good. However, has one ever wondered after looking at its sticker made in Ecuador what is it origin, how is it produced and who are those behind this industry?
This fruit is known to be part of the largest herbaceous plant. It is native to the tropical region of Asia yet for some historians, its origin is believed to date back from the times of Muhammad in Islam. Today, this fruit is mainly produced in areas near the equator in countries such as Costa Rica, Columbia, Ecuador, and the Philippines, In South America, they export approximately 70 % of the world’s bananas and in Ecuador alone it produces 33 %.. In Central America, Minor C. Keith, an American businessman help merge the banana industry in Central America since the 1870’s. In regions mentioned about this commodity has two different types of plantations that produce this product: one that is privately owned or a corporate plantation. In fact, three giant corporations, Chiquita, Dole, and Del Monte mainly run the banana industry. These corporations are American owned and have independently expanded to other countries for cheaper cost in production and labor. For the global producer and distributor, Del Monte exports food to the United States, Europe, Middle East and Africa. It earns revenue of $ 3.6 billion dollars a year since 2009. Del Monte is a brand often noticed at the supermarket that has expanded to animal foods, canned food, and other commodities.
According to their history their “ heritage is as rich vibrant as our products Dedication to quality commitment to consumers and a focus on innovation are deeply embedded in Del Monte Food Culture” (Del Monte Foods). This model to their customer and their website about their history focus on the positive of their company. However, it does not mention exactly its true history of where their products are from and who actually works to bring this product on the market.
Thus for Del Monte and the other two corporations in this industry, they hide behind an imaginary façade. In 2008, in Guatemala three banana workers that were involved in union organizing were murdered. A man named Enrique Cruz Hernandez according to the reports “was shot while on his lunch break”(Labor Notes). The article also mentions that Guatemala ranks as one of the most “ dangerous place’ to own a union card next to Columbia. Although the company is not responsible for these murders, they are connected to a history of violence involving tactics of fear to exploit their workers. In Ecuador, workers earn a wage in their currency of $218 yet to the average minimum is $ 500 to reach a family’s basic needs. Wrokers often work long hours and have limited to no right to protect them from exploitation. In some reports, there has been criticism and in fact in one point children at the near age of eight were working at these banana plantation. However, as of today in Ecuador due the efforts of many there are now laws that protect children form working making the legal age of work to be at 15 years old.
Other concerns in regards to harming the workers and the consumer are how this product is being produced with chemicals. In banana production, there are pesticides that have a high toxicity. One chemical called Chlorphyrifos is a neurotoxin pesticide that is used to cover the maturing fruit. This is implemented to protect the product from any insects. However, workers are exposed to this chemical In Ecuador, they are exposed to aerial pesticides and manual spraying. This spraying can cause further damage to the communities in near proximity. This chemical can cause the drinking water to be contaminated and its exposure can lead to further health effects. In fact, due to chemicals from Dow Chemical being used by Dole Corporation, this linked to the sterilization its men workers in the 1970’s. Although this did occur in the past this issue is still affecting the workers and people today. Another concerns of importance is also the environmental damage occurring with mass production. In which, there are risks of deforestation, exposure, and contamination of water.
In reality, a banana although seems to reap many health benefits and is very affordable may contain chemicals that are of concern. In addition, the workers and the communities are exposed to these chemicals. Corporations although have the financial power to change its system not only in its techniques but also can further treat their workers fairly with wages and giving them more health benefits rather than looking the other way. In terms of globalization, the negative effect of this is how corporation can easily exploit their works and limit their right while being backed by the country because the need for jobs are scarce. The only way to eliminate the abuse toward its labors is to uncover the truth and as a consumer demand a change toward the people who works for their company because they deserve respect and a equality.
Work Cited
Harari, Raúl. “ Labour, Enviorment, and Health in Ecuadorian Banana Production” NGO 21 Nov 2009. 9 Dec 2011 < http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/banana/documents/IFA_Labour__Environment___Health_in_Ecuador_Nov_09.pdf >.
McCraken, Carrie. “ The Impacts of Banana Platatation Development in Central America” Banana Plantations in Central America 1998 8 Dec 2011 http://members.tripod.com/foro_emaus/BanPlantsCA.htm.
“ Our History” Del Monte Foods. 2011 8 Dec 2011 http://www.delmontefoods.com/company/default.aspx?page=oc_ourhistory.
“ Del Monte Banana Workers Murdered in Guetamala” Labor Notes. 31 Aug 2008. 8 Dec 2011 < http://labornotes.org/node/1865>.
“ Market” UNCTAD. 2011 8 Dec 2011http://www.unctad.org/infocomm/anglais/banana/market.htm.
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