Producers

Nuevo Mundo (New World)

The banana producers for Equicosta are located in Equator in the Machala region. Together they form the Nuevo Mundo cooperative composed of about 57 families, each of which possessing one or more hectors of land.

Nuevo Mundo operates under the principles of direct democracy: they elect a new executive committee every two years, composed of producers, and once per month they hold a general assembly with all the producer members. Direct democracy ensures transparent management, social premium administration, a place for orientation and education.

Associated into a cooperative, the Nuevo Mundo producers obtain a volume large enough to export their bananas without selling to multinational corporations; in their region it is Dole and Bonita who massively buy the conventional and organic bananas which they export on their on ships from a port located just 20 minutes away from the Nuevo Mundo plantations. The Equicosta bananas must cross a mountain chain to be embarked at another port.

“In January 2007 I visited the Nuevo Mundo cooperative and was truly impressed with their agricultural methods. Not only do they practice organic agriculture* they also apply the principles of biodiversity and permaculture! The banana trees, which stand about ten feet high, grow under the coconut trees, eucalyptus, mango… and on the ground: pineapples, squash, and ground cover plants. Add to this scenery a wooden house, children running around and a few ducks…the whole experience is luxuriant, lively and inspiring!”

Fair trade guarantees them a decent salary, good working conditions, better living conditions and a transparent management!

Follow the link to read testimonials from our producers!