Debating pineapples

#Twitter Debate: Live October 13th - 2pm GMT, 3pm London, 4pm Amsterdam

On the 13^th of October at 2pm (GMT), Fairfood International is organising a Twitter Debate to commemorate World Food Day (16th of October). We are going to discuss some pressing concerns faced by the pineapple industry worldwide. Join in!

Why pineapples?

Because this delicious fruit with its prickly exterior is often produced unsustainably. This sector is fraught  with several social and environmental issues. For example, there are reported cases of pineapple producing companies trying to prevent workers from organising and joining unions.
Another issue is the intensive use of pesticides in this sector. These chemicals released in the plantations also pollute the surrounding environment. Studies show that there has been an overall loss of biodiversity in pineapple producing areas in Costa Rica and the Philippines. In both cases because of the use of agro-chemicals and the huge land areas covered only with pineapples.

A number of NGO’s are attempting to tackle the issues in the production and whole supply chain of the pineapple. According to a video filmed by Consumers International in collaboration with The Guardian, based on research by Banana Link, not enough consumer demand exists for fair trade pineapples.

The buck stops where?

Who exactly can change this situation?

• Should the consumers demand these changes?
• Should pineapple companies take responsibility?
• Or do governments need to make laws against unfair practices?

All three have vested interests in the sustainability of this industry.

So, join our live Twitter debate on Thursday 13^th October and tell us what you think.

How and when

Have all your questions and statements ready by 2pm (GMT), 3pm London time, 4pm Amsterdam time. Don’t forget to use #pineapple in your tweets, so all our eager participants can then follow the debate as well. We (@Fairfood) will host the debate and we’ll make sure all your questions get answered.

Don’t have a Twitter account? No problem, there’s a live Twitter feed below and the most interesting tweets from during the debate will be retweeted afterwards.