The overall losses to Dominican farmers’ crops following Erika are yet to be quantified, but it is estimated that around 80% of the island’s banana crop has been lost. In addition, an estimated 80 acres of land needs to be replanted while approximately 200 acres of topsoil have been completed washed away.
Long-standing Fairtrade producer organisation the Windward Islands Farmers Association (WINFA) is appealing for funds to provide immediate assistance to those affected. Donations to the WINFA disaster relief fund will be used to support banana and other fruit farmers in the immediate task of rehabilitating their crops. If you would like to lend your support, you can do so through Banana Link.