Climate Change Threatens Banana Prices: Expert Insights and Challenges Ahead
Banana prices are climbing due to climate change, a warning issued by Pascal Liu, a senior economist at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation, as reported by Matt McGrath for BBC. Recent storms at sea led to shortages in UK supermarkets, underscoring supply chain vulnerabilities. As the World Banana Forum meets in Rome, industry experts grapple with mounting challenges, including the spread of diseases like Fusarium Wilt TR4, which poses a significant threat to global banana crops. These risks are compounded by rising temperatures, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of banana production. Amidst increasing production costs and labor shortages, experts predict that banana prices will remain elevated. Consequently, the industry is focusing on addressing sustainability concerns, emphasizing the importance of adopting greener production methods and implementing rigorous certification processes to meet consumer demand for ethically sourced bananas.
SOURCE: Stay informed on climate impacts and food security with BBC News - click here for the full article