Latin American banana growers seek higher wages as super El Niño slashes output

The Guardian reported that banana producers across Latin America are demanding better pay to offset the damage caused by the climate crisis. Farmers say this year’s super El Niño has already triggered a sharp decline in harvests.

High winds in parts of Colombia – a key supplier to the UK market – and heavy rains in Peru and Ecuador have disrupted planting and picking, the ethical‑trade body Fairtrade Foundation said. In the Dominican Republic, growers anticipate drought conditions, with forecasts pointing to drier and warmer weather than usual.

The combination of extreme weather events is forcing producers to confront lower yields and higher costs, prompting calls for wage increases to sustain their operations and protect livelihoods.

Why it matters

Reduced banana output could affect supplies to major markets and threaten the income of thousands of farm workers.

Key details

Location

Colombia · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

8 Nov 2026, 12:30 IST

Key names

Latin America, El Niño, Banana, UK

Section

Environment

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianBanana producers in Latin America want better pay to cope with effects of climate crisis 8 Nov, 12:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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