The Caribbean Banana Exporters' Association has again called for the current tariff quota systems, allocated on the basis of traditional trade flows under the EU regime, to be retained for a minimum of 10 years. Discussions between the US and the Community through the World Trade Organisation are still at a sensitive stage, although no decisions are expected for several months, confirmed a spokesperson. Meeting in Miami this week, delegates from the Windwards, Belize and Surinam stressed that current levels of 3.4 million tonnes must not be exceeded. They believe this is the minimum time period which will allow the radical readjustment necessary to cope with a greater degree of liberalisation. The Association has again called on the Community to work towards an equitable solution to safeguard thousands of growers who depend on the crop. {{FRESH PRODUCE }}

Topics