GOING+BANANAS

**GOING BANANAS**  Key ideas:
 * Different roles within trading chains carry different levels of power
 * There are consequences associated with power or lack of power
 * The power to create change lies both within and outside the trading chain

A. Below is an activity using **SOLO Taxonomy:** **Firstly, read the news article //“Bite goes on for ‘ethical’ bananas” - YOU will be given this in class//**

**Uni-structural** Define the terms: ethical; FairTrade certified; economic recession; pesticides; pittance; premium; co-operative; synonomous;

**Multi-structural- Do some research to find out the following:** Describe: a) How many bananas are consumed in New Zealand per annum? b) Where in the world does New Zealand import it’s bananas from? c) There are two countries mentioned in the article but these are not the only countries where New Zealand imports it’s bananas from- do some research.

**Relational do some research** Explain: e) Explain what are the problems faced by large-scale banana producers in the poorer countries of the world. f) What does Fairtrade do to support small scale banana co-operative farmers in Ecuador?
 * 1) How does this benefit the farmers?
 * 2) What do you think?
 * 3) Would you be willing to pay more for your bananas, if you knew that farmers in Ecuador would benefit by you paying a higher price?

B. Below, is an article which appeared recently in an Australian newspaper. Read the article and answer the questions which follow: //‘Australian protection of its banana growers has not relaxed in the wake of the destruction wrought by Cyclone Yasi. The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Joe Ludwig has declared there will be no re-evaluation of import bans on bananas.// //“With 75 per cent of our industry currently affected by Cyclone Yasi, this has been an extremely difficult time for our growers,” said Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) president Cameron MacKay in response.// //“Banana imports are not permitted because of the associated pest and disease risks that are found in other major banana-producing countries, therefore it is really important that banana plantations are back in production as soon as possible,” he explained.// //“We ask that our consumers understand that the interruption of supply is caused by something completely outside growers’ control,” he added.// //Bananas are Australia’s largest selling fruit.’//
 * 1) What has happened to the Australian banana industry over the last 6 months?
 * 2) What has been the impact of Cyclone Yasi on banana production and prices in Australia?
 * 3) What is their government doing to protect it’s producers from imported bananas?
 * 4) Research the current cost of bananas in NZ and Australia.
 * 5) Has this had much impact in NZ? Why? Why not?

**//C. GOING BANANAS!!!! Read the following://** “According to a report on ABC TV’s Landline on 5 June, even at current prices bananas compare extremely favourable with other snacks. The program found that one kilogram of 1kg of chocolate bars equates to $35 and a kilogram of potato chips will cost $32 which makes Australian Bananas even at their current prices an attractive and healthy snack.

“Best of all, the banana doesn’t come with all that added sugar, salt and fat,” he says.

**//HEALTHY BANANAS: DO SOME RESEARCH//**

Banana health benefits are comparable to any other type of fruit. In fact, bananas have several positive benefits that many other fruits do not have. These yellow-skinned fruits are ideal for health because they have a sweet taste that most people enjoy.

**//Find out 10 benefits of bananas in a healthy diet.//**