While they may not be on the same page, banana growers and environmental advocates both agree on the importance of protecting the environment.
Jose Alejandro Zamora, a banana grower in the Calinan district expressed his admiration for environmental groups in their dedication to push for the protection of the environment – a concern that is not yet shared by most.
“I understand the importance of protecting the environment not only for business but also for the lives of the future generations,” Zamora said in an interview in his 5-hectare Cavendish banana plantation. “It may seem ironic but the environment is of great concern especially for the agricultural sector as we also depend on the bounty of nature.”
Unknown to many, agricultural companies that are involved in export products are greatly dependent on nature. The quality of water, soil, and even the air, affects the quality of their produce. The rich plains and rolling hills of Mindanao have made it an ideal location for vast agricultural development – especially high value crops, which rakes in bigger revenues and higher employment in the provinces.
“Our industry is about fruits and plants, things that depend on nature. That is why we want to ensure that we are protecting the environment. What good is 40 hectares of land if there is no water? If the soil is not healthy?” Zamora rhetorically asked.
“We just hope that the intentions of these environmental advocates is actually to help the city become more environmentally sustainable and not just to get funding from donor organizations abroad, as there are a lot of rumors going on,” Zamora said. “Also, I hope they recognize us as partners and not as the bad guys, as they make it appear most of the time.”
Recently, a study was released by an environmental group citing the presence of traces of pesticides in some areas of the Davao River. However, agricultural growers like Zamora lament the fact that the study was not disclosed to their community or to a bigger audience.
For the past years, environmental groups have been singling out banana and pineapple plantations in the guise of environmental protection. This is in stark contrast to the standards that have been set by the foreign markets that these products are being exported to, which require as little input as possible. Some countries even send representatives to conduct sampling in the various plantations to ensure the strict compliance of their import regulations for agricultural products.
The banana industry has time and again sought for dialogue with key sectors of the community in their bid to continually improve their practices. But they have been shunned, and at times shamed, by environmental groups during public discussions.
“How can we improve our practices if we are left in the dark? Is it really that difficult for us to work together for a better future?” Zamora said. “I hope their intention is really about the environment and not kill our livelihood.”
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