When comparing the supply-chain processes of the tropical fruits we saw today, such as bananas and pineapples, to coffee, it’s a fair statement to say that the tropical fruits have a much easier supply-chain process. Bananas and pineapples do not need to be processed in the same extensive process as coffee beans do. While all of these plants need ample time to grow in the proper conditions, tropical fruits don’t take as long as coffee. Coffee requires much more attention as the beans are washed and dried in a much more extensive process.

Tropical fruit plantations are very sustainable. Much like coffee plantations, tropical fruit plantations take steps to strengthen their longevity and create a more sustainable environment for themselves, as well as others. For example, the pineapple plantation we visited mentioned how they use the chicken excrement and blood marrow of cows present on the farm to make compost and fertilize the vegetation. On the banana plantation, farmers utilize the space to house other crops and wildlife, such as bees. These plantations face threats of environmental destruction, as well as poor weather, that can be mitigated through sustainable efforts.

If I were a plantation worker, it would be a very hard call to make for what sort of plantation I would want to work on. Based purely on product, I would prefer to be on a coffee plantation. Coffee is my favorite product among the many crops we’ve seen throughout the trip. All of these plantations require a lot of time, work, and dedication. The banana plantation, however, seemed like a nice change of pace, as the work area was not sprawling and using a machete to cut down plants would be pretty cool.