The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) has initiated administrative proceedings against two banana exporting companies for allegedly making false statements in 104 shipment plans they reported to the Banana Control System.

As stated in the Ministry’s statement on Tuesday, May 23, these shipping plans would not have FAS approval, for which they would use unauthorized codes, which allowed the export of banana boxes without proper approval.

Based in Guayaquil, the banana growers insist on getting only $2 or $3 per box of bananas

These possible sanctions come a day after small and medium-sized banana producers held a rally on the ground floor of the Zonal Government building, in northern Guayaquil, to demand respect for the minimum support price for the fruit, set for this year at $6.50 per the box. The producers also assured that in recent weeks they have only been getting between $2 and $3 per box from exporters.

In addition, last Sunday, MAG announced reinforcements and adjustments to Form 150 to prevent bananas from leaving the country, to their international destinations, without signed contracts.

Meanwhile, if the allegations in the administrative file are confirmed, the companies could be fined a total of $83,200 and have their export activities suspended for 15 days.

The companies were informed about the files opened by MAG so that they could exercise their right to defend themselves and present the defenses they deem appropriate.

The Ministry announced the adjustment of the form so that only bananas are exported through the contracts

The state department reminded that these actions are covered by the Law on the promotion and control of the production and commercialization of bananas, bananas (barraganeta) and other related musáceas intended for export, namely in article 3. This article provides for periodic inspections of those who place on the market musáceas intended for export.

“These controls are part of MAG’s obligation to check whether the fruit contracted for export complies with the provisions regarding the formalization of transactions, payment of the minimum support price,” the Ministry says.