The U.S. has allocated USD 4.7 million to improve working conditions in banana plantations and the flower cultivation industry in Ecuador. On April 11, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that it would allocate USD 4.7 million to promote fair working conditions for those working in banana plantations and the flower cultivation industry in Ecuador. The funds will be allocated to 'Partners of the Americas', a non-profit organization established in 1964 under the Alliance for Progress, driven by then-President John F. Kennedy. This organization is dedicated to promoting better working conditions in Latin America. The U.S. project aims to reduce child and forced labour and promote labour rights in industries related to the supply chain.

"The initiative will assess the prevalence of child labour, raise awareness, and strengthen the capacity to mitigate other labor rights abuses, including forced labor," the Department of Labor indicated in a statement. According to this Department, the project's focus in Ecuador will strengthen local participation and improve the capacities of the private sector, the community, and government entities. Particular emphasis will be placed on helping the most vulnerable people, such as women and children, as well as migrant workers, indigenous people, and the population of African descent.

Ecuador is the world's fifth largest producer of bananas, with 6.6 million tons annually, and is one of the largest exporters. Almost a third of Ecuador's banana exports come from Los Ríos and Guayas. In addition, Ecuador is among the most significant flower producers in the world, after the Netherlands and Colombia. 40% of these exported flowers are directed to the U.S. market.