In 2013, WWF began implementing the Sustainable Banana Production project in Colombia and Ecuador through its offices in Germany, Colombia, and Ecuador.
This pilot project has so far increased the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) by producers beyond what some sustainable certification standards contemplate; it has also provided access to new markets in Europe. Specifically, this publication focuses on the production and marketing of bananas under GAP standards and was developed within the framework of this project.
As bananas are one of the most representative products in differentiated markets, due to their high demand and ongoing global consumption, this publication, entitled Guidelines for the Implementation of Good Agricultural Practices on Banana Farms in Colombia, is intended to serve as a guide for producers and marketers in the implementation of GAP and also provide alternatives to address the recurring gaps that hinder access to specialized markets.
The publication is divided into two parts. The first presents the context of the GAP market for bananas; the second presents key recommendations for its implementation and for accessing a differentiated market, based on experience.
However, it should be clarified that the recommendations contained herein are not legally binding and their adoption by producers is voluntary. The purpose of this publication is precisely to provide producers, project implementers, and other interested parties with a guide for incorporating Good Agricultural Practices in banana production, based on the identification of recurring gaps in the production system that hinder access to differentiated markets.
