Canary Islands Banana Producer Support Update

Overview

The Canary Islands government has issued a new decree to update how banana producers receive support under the European Union's agricultural programs. This legislation modifies previous rules to better reflect increasing yields and encourage new producers to join the system.

Key Changes

• The revision of reference quantities—used to determine aid—every three years.
• A new method that considers past production and market circumstances.
• Limits on the maximum reference amount per hectare to prevent over-allocation.
• Provisions for those affected by volcanic eruptions or expropriations to retain their support levels.
• Introduction of more transparent procedures for allocating unused reference quantities, now available through competitive calls.

Objectives

• Helping younger farmers and new entrants access support.
• Stabilizing aid levels and slowing down reductions over time.
• Promoting the economic viability of banana farms in the archipelago.

Impact

This update is designed to influence local farmers by offering clearer, more consistent assistance aligned with modern production realities, ultimately fostering the island’s agricultural resilience.