The Latin American and Caribbean Network of Fair Trade Small Producers and Workers (CLAC) will hold the Fairtrade banana and cocoa forums from April 17 to 21 in the Dominican Republic.
The forums will bring together producers from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa, buyers, importers, non-governmental organizations, international experts, and the most relevant actors in the value chain of these products and the Fair Trade industry.
“The small producers and banana workers who participate in Fairtrade are very honored to receive our buyers and allies on April 17, 18, and 19 to discuss and analyze the different social and environmental challenges facing the banana industry. We want to make them participate in our mission to achieve greater social and environmental justice together; in advance, we welcome them to the Dominican Republic,” said Marike de Peña, chair of CLAC’s Board of Directors.
That will be the third Fairtrade banana forum organized by CLAC after the meeting in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 2019, with the relevant actors of the banana industry.
On April 17 and 18, some topics at the forum will be biodiversity in banana production, sustainable banana program, water, and carbon footprint, sustainable production systems and environmental impact, the situation of the banana market, and cluster panorama.
The meeting has the theme “Sharing Responsibilities in Building Decent Livelihoods and Climate Resilience” and will participate representatives of the FAO World Banana Forum and the banana industry at the international level.
In addition, CLAC will hold the first Fairtrade cocoa forum; at this meeting will be presented the Fairtrade Cocoa Strategy and the Impact of Sustainable Production Standards, Challenges in the Cocoa Industry, and Global Cocoa Consumption Trends.
The forum is free, but each participant must cover the logistical costs (airplane tickets, transportation since the airport to hotel, and accommodation) and other personal expenses in the Dominican Republic.
