Organic banana 2000: towards an organic banana initiative in the Caribbean: Report of the international workshop on the production and marketing of organic bananas by smallholders. 31 October - 4 November 1999, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Diversification has never been so important, as it is now for small-scale farmers competing in a free market economy. Countries of the Caribbean have recognised the niche in the market for organic bananas, the Dominican Republic currently being the largest exporter of organic bananas. This meeting, jointly run by INIBAP, CAB International and the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), provided a forum for discussion and information exchange for a wide range of interest groups, from farmers to retailers, with the aim of developing an initiative to support organic banana production and export in the Caribbean. This 174-page report provides papers on the current status of banana production, particular the development of organic production, in the Caribbean, as well as in Central and South America and Cameroon, also the prospects of the North American and European market, aspects of quality assurance and certification, and production constraints. The results of working groups and the conclusions of the meeting are also included. In brief, this publication presents an important discussion of the latest issues surrounding organic production of bananas and lays down a comprehensive plan of action for the way forward.