According to the most recent statistics I could find (from 2000), India is the world's leading producer of bananas (11 million metric tonnes in 2000).
While statistics relating to banana production in Canada are shrouded in mystery, in 1998 Canada was the 9th ranked banana importer in the world, buying 149 million dollars (US) of foreign-produced bananas. That works out to about 5 bucks (US) worth of bananas per capita.
Big deal, you might be thinking, but ponder this: I personally used to spend about $100 a year on bananas, which can only mean that there were about 19 people every year who ate no bananas. Nineteen Canadians denied the proof of God's existence, "the atheist's nightmare," the simple banana:
I had no idea I was so close to God... Or was I really...?
I have a theory about banana production in Canada but I'm more interested in hearing yours.
ReplyDeleteWill the amount being spent go up or down over the next few years? With rising fuel costs, the price of bananas will go up, while growing awareness about the importance of eating locally will decrease banana consumption. What is the future for Canadian bananas? Maybe we DO need to grow our own. Bring on the genetic engineers.
ReplyDeleteSornie,
ReplyDeleteI could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you! ;-)
Brad,
I have it on good authority that Canada leads the world in hydroponic techniques (ahem). Perhaps that's where the future lies? And yeah, some good, old-fashioned genetic engineering never hurt anyone either!