A Successful Protest for Banana Producers

As a reminder, since mid-November, banana producers have been demanding financial assistance and sustainable, prompt support from the government. Their goal? To finally stay afloat and work under favorable conditions. They have been suffering from a significant increase in prices: maintenance and production costs have surged since the beginning of the war in Ukraine! In contrast to fruit and vegetable producers in the overseas territories, and to address growing inflation, they did not benefit from the government's aid program worth 10 million euros (so far, 250 requests from fruit and vegetable producers have been made for a total of 400,000 euros).

Measures Implemented in Martinique

Since Friday, November 24, banana producers can finally receive assistance from the government, especially for obtaining fertilizers. This is a significant step forward for them, as they have been waiting for answers for a long time, following a very impactful mobilization. Many banana producers are facing financial difficulties, and numerous crises and amendments have only pushed some further into precarious situations. Although the amount of assistance has not yet been disclosed, the conditions for obtaining it will be essentially the same as for exported banana producers.

Deadline for Submission of Applications: December 1, 2023.

To be eligible, certain conditions must be met:

– Provide evidence of banana exports and have a land declaration for 2022, or possess a declaration of social coverage (AMEXA),

– Have paid invoices or a certificate from an approved accountant (signed by them) to justify the purchase of fertilizers in 2022,

– Provide a certificate from an approved accountant (signed by them) to justify banana export production for the year 2022.

Payments will be made at the end of the year.

Assistance forms are available on the website of the Directorate of Food, Agriculture, and Forestry. You can also contact Banamart or the Daaf at 0596 71 20 40 or via email at: resilience.ukraine.daaf972@agriculture.gouv.fr.