agriculture

Banana farmers welcome changes

LA PRENSA

better days:Banana farmers expect profits to grow.1019760

Banana production in Divalá, in the district of Alanje, seems to have fallen on hard times.

Ten of the region's 14 companies have closed. There have been about 3,000 jobs lost. What was once one of the most popular places for Chiriquí residents to work now provides about only 600 jobs.

But despite all the negatives, producers see a bright future for the industry.

The companies that are still in operation are seeing an increase in demand for their products. These farms will renegotiate a contract with Chiquita Brands in June, which is expected to allow the producers to begin expanding their operations.

"The farms have a chance to grow since there are only 600 hectares in production at this time," said Manuel Virgilio Aizprúa, a Chiquita representative.

The company plans to offer a subsidy to farmers to allow them to increase their per-hectare yield by 2,000 boxes a year. This increase is expected to boost profits substantially, as well as create more jobs.

Farmer Carlos Franceschi said the relationship with Chiquita has changed dramatically.

"Contracts now cover a relatively short period of time, 15 months, so that both sides can make the necessary adjustments to continue a relationship of mutual benefit," he said.

Paulino Cedeño, former secretary general of the Sindicato de Trabajadores de las Bananeras Independientes (Sitrabich), said producers now have much more security.

"Over 1,000 jobs were lost because of marketing problems," he said, "We welcome this new investment."