Bananas, seeds and gold courses in Central America

So how is international pressure impacting the Guatemalan banana industry? Fresh Fruit Portal has a pretty balanced (accurate?) overview of the situation in Guatemala.

With pressure from bodies such as the International Labor Organization (ILO), Guatemala’s attorney general has given greater attention to Sitrabi’s cases.

Russell said much of the investigative interest has stemmed from fear of an ILO-led commission of inquiry that could bring greater grievances to light.

On a recent visit to the attorney general’s office, Russell said representatives were quick to highlight their progress on cases emphasized by the ILO.

“For as long as that pressure is there, we think that’s a potential engine for influencing change. Unfortunately it’s still on the table. It will be discussed by the ILO governing body in November. It’s a hanging threat that the government there is aware of,” Russell said.

“They realize if there were a commission of inquiry, a lot of things would be uncovered that they are currently managing to keep hidden. This might have a knock on effect to their free trade relationships with the States and the EU.”

In particular, Guatemala’s union situation has been flagged under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).

Under pressure from the ILO, the validity of the U.S. free trade agreement with Guatemala was put into doubt in 2008. The labor body has questioned Guatemala’s perceived lack of labor policy enforcement, which could violate certain articles of CAFTA-DR.

In its first labor claim using a free trade agreement, the U.S. challenged Guatemalan practices in 2011 by requesting a panel to improve enforcement.

 There's nothing wrong with creating jobs in Central America, Clay Aiken.

No love for Monsanto here - looking for a solution to El Salvador's seed program's lack of compliance with CAFTA-DR and even national laws.

Perhaps the MAG’s seed distribution program violates the Central American Free Trade Agreement, but that does not make it a bad program. It is just another reason why CAFTA and free trade are bad policies. 

And really, does anyone really think that it is a good idea to spend needed development assistance on luxury condos and golf courses in El Salvador?