"Food Agriculture" News Archive

Ecuador remains a world leader in banana exports, with the EU serving as its largest market. However, the growing sustainability and compliance requirements imposed by European regulators are creating both opportunities and challenges for Ecuador’s banana sector. As the industry aligns with the EU’s Green Deal and “Farm to Fork” strategy, stakeholders are seeking solutions to balance increased costs with fair pricing practices.

At the recent Fast Company Innovation Festival, industry leaders explored the essential elements required to establish a supply chain that prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices. The discussion revealed a stark reality: when consumers purchase everyday items, such as a set of bed sheets from a large retail chain, they often remain oblivious to the origins of those materials and the complexities of the associated supply chain. Unfortunately, many companies lack this transparency themselves.

Cameroon has announced the launch of a digital platform aimed at enhancing cocoa traceability, a move designed to bolster the country's cocoa sector amid rising global demands for sustainable and transparent sourcing.

The EU's Regulation on Deforestation-Free Supply Chains is a significant step towards transparency and responsible sourcing. However, smallholder farmers, particularly in Southeast Asia, face compliance challenges, risking exclusion from European markets without adequate support.