11.   Indeed, the damage is so widespread that there is no guarantee that big banana producers will return.

12.   Kantor said the U.S. will challenge EU banana import restrictions, which it believes penalizes U.S. banana producers such as Chiquita Brands International Inc.

13.   The U.S. wants the EU to alter a system of quotas and import and export licensing schemes for Latin American and Caribbean banana producers.

14.   Though the military has stepped up its patrols in the region, the banana producers have appealed for more protection for their workers and their facilities.

15.   Warshaw said he could not respond directly to questions about the trusts and relations with banana producers for competitive reasons.

16.   An airplane from U.S. banana producer Standard Fruit Co. assisted in the search.

17.   Another major U.S. banana producer, Chiquita Brands International Inc., also has said it has been hurt by weak banana prices this year.

18.   Barbados said Monday it acknowledged the need for global trade competition but criticized a recent ruling that would end favorable terms for Caribbean banana producers.

19.   Capgras said the banana producers are desperate.

20.   Caricom is embroiled in a dispute with the United States and Latin American banana producers over European Union trade policies that favor Caribbean banana producers.