The
urban myth that Iceland is Europe’s largest producer or exporter of bananas has been propagated in various books and other media. It was mentioned in an episode of the
BBC quiz programme
QI[9] and on a forum connected with the show.
[10] According to
FAO statistics, the largest European producer of bananas is France (in
Martinique and
Guadeloupe), followed by
Spain[11] (primarily in the
Canary Islands). Other banana-producing countries in Europe include
Portugal (on
Madeira),
Greece (primarily in southern
Crete),
Cyprus,
Turkey and
Italy.
Although a small number of banana plants still exist in greenhouses and produce fruit every year, Iceland imports nearly all of the bananas consumed in the country, with imports now amounting to over 18 kg (40 lb) per capita per annum.
[12] The
Agricultural University of Iceland maintains the last such farm with 600–700 banana plants in its tropical greenhouse, which were received as donations from producers when they shut down (then the
Horticultural College). Bananas grown there are consumed by the students and staff and are not sold.
[8]
wiki.
Maybe he'll be on that cruise!
