Magical Properties of The Banana-Political Implications

Today we continue our week long discussion on the magical attributes of the banana. It is necessary to try an understand the significance of the political and global implications of the banana. At this present time there is a major controversy between the PAC contingent which is connected to the EU, and the Latin American contingent led by the US. I had no idea that the banana market could create a global economic collapse if the dispute is not handled correctly. This is not a new dispute because there has always been for many years a dispute called the "Banana Wars". As I began to research the healthy aspects of the banana, I began to read about the political and economic problems of the Caribbean countries.
A short synopsis was that the Caribbean farms were small and it was very expensive to produce their bananas. The EU made an agreement with these countries to allow their bananas in their countries without a tariff, and the Latin American with the support of the US feel this is unfair. The Latin American countries produce their bananas on large plantations controlled by the US, and they are cheaper to produce. The Latin countries have petitioned the WTO to resolve the inequity and the WTO has agreed that the EU discriminates against the Latin countries.
However many of the small Caribbean states depend on the exporting of their bananas which is crucial to their economy. Half of the Caribbean population rely on the banana industry to supply their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and education. A collapse of the banana industry would force people to lose their jobs and livelihood, and create a global social and economic instability. There are no easy answers and some argue that this dispute threatens the whole future of free trade. Again the mystical and magical powers of the unique and healthy fruit.
Others agree that the US is only concerned with increasing and enhancing its dominant market share. Some believe that the US wants to drive the Caribbean growers out of the market, because from an economic perspective it cost more for them to produce their crops. The last significant trade based antagonism between the US and Europe triggered the massive depression in the 1930's. Hopefully the WTO can navigate through this controversy and settle this conflict before it escalates into something major. The US is adamant concerning their demands and the EU believes they have an obligation to follow their commitments to the PAC.
The banana continues to amaze and create dialog around the globe. Its power is extraordinary and nations do not know whether to worship it, or go to war. Politically and economically its impact is globally and the disputes are part of history. The magic of the story must continue and tomorrow we will discuss the future of the banana. The future is as mysterious as the past. Hopefully this information and knowledge will force you to think when you peel a banana.
Roger