Banana Farmers Struggle
Banana farmers have also struggled in the wake of the eruption as their fields are blanketed in ash: The government estimates that 100 million euros ($116 million) in damages have already been done to the banana industry, with more than 1/5 of the island’s banana farmers affected.
“I would have preferred to lose my house instead of my banana trees,” farmer Jesús Pérez told ABC. “The trees give you life, the house gives you nothing. I have sacrificed all my life, and for what, nothing?”
