Another proposal in addition to the one suggested to the government by the company Del Monte, seeks to revive banana production on the 1,700 hectares owned by the former employees of Coosemupar.

The proposal put forward by the Atlantic Banana Cooperative (Cobana) includes a feasibility study which states that “… the projection is that from the seventh year onwards annual earnings will be obtained of between $3 million and $4 million.”

The Cobana initiative will require an estimated investment of $58 million and has the support of the Rodolfo Aguilar Association of Agricultural Producers (Aparad). Its president, Isaias Bonilla, “… said most of the partners are willing to support this proposal because of the 1,771 expartners of Coosemupar, 1,300 do not want to sell their land and accept this new option.”

The proposal to revive banana production in Baru is in addition to a proposal by the US company Del Monte, which in January signed an agreement with the government to start the process of recovery of production in the area.