Ecuador’s banana sector launches “Safe Farms” protocols to fight the growing problem of crime

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A prominent presence on the world market, Ecuador’s sector of bananas which is the largest exporter is launching “Safe Farms” an initiative that will help to stop the increasing violence. This initiative is inspired by Colombia’s strategies for protecting its banana and coffee plantations. In Ecuador the criminal activity including kidnappings, extortion as well as murders and pollution of exported goods have led industry leaders to improve security in particular the rural areas of farms in areas where gangs from criminals are present.

The European Union (EU), receiving 30percent of Ecuador’s banana exports is one of the markets most affected by security concerns. Exporters are calling for increased security in the supply chain to ensure secure shipment into the EU. They demand public guidelines for a thorough scanning of containers used for export as well as standard security standards across the entire supply chain. They are urging EU nations to consider the public health issue and to ensure security for the supply of bananas.

It was presented by the former Colombian defense minister Diego Molano at “Banana Time,” the “Safe Farms” protocol focuses on proactive measures regarding farms, cooperation between industries, the private sector organizations, government authorities as well as a longer-term plan to increase the capacity of institutions. The plan includes security education along with a information and solidarity networking system for both transporters and employees and a mechanism for sharing risk assessments of employees and their suppliers. It also proposes biometric security and physical barriers in manufacturing spaces.

This initiative will be guided through the Strategic Integrated Security Prevention and Response Center (Ciepris), that will be focusing on data analysis as well as preventive measures and the integration of police and armed forces. Molano stressed the need for collaboration and long-term initiatives and compared the situation to Colombia’s experiences with violent guerrillas, suggesting the need to restore the security of Ecuador is a complicated long-lasting issue.

Source: EFEcomunica

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