Sustainability standards (SS) have emerged as a response to changes in sustainable consumer behaviour, affecting the production and distribution of agrifood products. This study evaluates how SS influence the economic dimension of sustainability among small banana producers in Colombia. The study is based on a survey of a representative sample of 99 small banana farmers associated with six cooperatives and using Structural Equation Modelling to examine how SS criteria contribute to the economic dimension of sustainability, using as a case study the banana agribusinesses of Magdalena (Colombia).
The results reveal a strong and significant correlation between the SS criteria and the economic dimension of sustainability, with market conditions being the most influential factor in this context. Business alliances have a moderate effect, while local development does not show measurable impact. SS have the potential to improve market access, financial inclusion and smallholder resilience; however, their success depends on targeted interventions and strong partnerships within agrifood value chains.
Findings from this paper can contribute to the development of strategies that improve smallholders' sustainability performance and promote their sustainable growth. Future research should adopt longitudinal approaches and explore the interconnected economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability to gain a more complete understanding of the impact of SSs in agriculture.

Lizcano‑Prada J., Mesías F.J., Maestre‑Matos M. (2025). La dimensión económica de la sostenibilidad: Evaluación del impacto de los estándares de sostenibilidad en pequeños productores de banano en Colombia. ITEA‑Información Técnica Económica Agraria 121(4): 402-419. https://doi.org/10.12706/itea.2025.015