The Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE), with the financial support of the German cooperation GIZ, has launched the Safe Banana: Prevention and Mitigation of Foc TR4 Risks project in Ecuador. 

"This is a crucial step in the fight against Fusarium TR4, one of the main threats facing banana production in the country since its detection in Colombia in 2019," said José Antonio Hidalgo, executive director of AEBE, at a press conference. 

The management and execution of the project are overseen by the association's Banana Statistical Observatory, with the financial collaboration of GIZ and a counterpart of more than $100,000 from AEBE. It is the second joint project between the two institutions, evidencing the continuous commitment to protecting the sector. "Safe Banana" aims to provide information to producers on the detection and management of Fusarium and other diseases such as moko and black Sigatoka and consists of four key phases: 

1. Evaluation of biosecurity practices and creation of a baseline: A thorough evaluation of current biosecurity practices will be conducted to identify areas for improvement. 

2. Identification of high-risk areas: Using artificial intelligence algorithms, the areas of highest risk of Fusarium TR4 infection will be identified through the collection and analysis of data in the field. 

3. Satellite monitoring and assessment of plantation health: Satellite monitoring and detailed analysis will be carried out in previously identified high-risk areas. 

4. Action plan and training for managing Fusarium TR4: An existing action plan against the pest will be analyzed and implemented, as well as a training program for producers and workers. 

The baseline study will focus on the El Oro province, one of Ecuador's central banana-producing regions. This project will involve 440 selected producers, allowing the findings to be generalized nationally and developing a local contingency plan against Fusarium. 

"Safe Banana" seeks to maintain the sector's resilience and create synergies between actors in the chain to fight this cross-border threat. Implementing satellite technology will make it possible to distinguish risk areas in the country, strengthening coordination between government entities, AEBE and other agencies involved. 

Hidalgo said that this satellite technology will allow Fusarium risk areas to be distinguished in the country, mainly in El Oro, which will be complemented with projects that are already underway from other agencies, "the intention is to unify the different efforts that are being made," he said. 

The project will enable early detection of Fusarium TR4 and establish key impact indicators to measure the project's success over time. "With the increased adoption of biosecurity practices and the identification of high-risk areas, Safe Banana is a firm step towards the protection and sustainability of the Ecuadorian banana industry," he said.