Activists Demand End to Israeli Potato Imports in the Canary Islands

On Wednesday, a coalition of social organizations took a significant step by filing a formal complaint with the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Food Sovereignty in the Canary Islands. Their primary aim is to halt the sale of Israeli potatoes in the region, a move that has sparked considerable public interest and debate.

The complaint was accompanied by a vibrant demonstration outside the department’s offices in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Protesters gathered under the provocative slogan “Potatoes? Yes to mojo, no to blood,” representing four prominent organizations: Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel (BDS), Health Workers for Palestine, the Tenerife Platform for Palestine, and the Student Assembly. In addition to the complaint, these groups expressed their intention to meet with Narvay Quintero, the area councillor, to voice their concerns directly and seek a resolution.

Underlying Reasons for the Protest

The motivations behind this protest are deeply rooted in a rising public sentiment against the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Activists have raised alarms regarding health and agricultural issues, alleging that Israeli potatoes are treated with “illegal and harmful pesticides.” They specifically cite the use of methyl bromide, a pesticide that is banned in the European Union due to its detrimental effects on health and the environment.

This protest is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader movement within the Canary Islands and beyond, where activists are increasingly vocal about their opposition to products associated with the Israeli state. The groups involved argue that the importation of these potatoes is not just a matter of consumer choice, but a significant ethical issue that affects local agricultural practices and public health.

Impact on Local Farmers and Market Dynamics

Ana Pino, a spokesperson for BDS, emphasized that this complaint is part of a larger campaign initiated in May, aimed at encouraging Canarian society, particularly those within the potato industry, to stop importing and distributing Israeli products. Pino highlighted that they have reached out to major supermarket chains and local distributors, demanding the immediate removal of Israeli potatoes from their shelves. The group argues that these imports are detrimental to the local economy, undermining the market for Canarian potatoes, which are already struggling to compete.

Local farmers are facing significant challenges in selling their produce, as they compete against cheaper imports that may not adhere to the same health and safety standards. The activists contend that supporting local agriculture is crucial not only for the economy but also for ensuring that consumers have access to safe and ethically sourced food. They argue that Canarian potatoes, grown without harmful pesticides, should be prioritized over imported alternatives.

Regulatory Questions and Accountability

The submitted complaint raises critical questions for the Department of Agriculture regarding the measures in place to prevent the sale of Israeli potatoes in the Canary Islands. The organizations involved are seeking clarity on the regulatory framework that governs the importation of agricultural products and what actions are being taken to ensure that products containing banned substances do not enter the market.

These associations emphasize the necessity of supporting local farmers who produce potatoes that are free from harmful pesticides and ethically sourced. They argue that these farmers are struggling to sell their crops while competing against imported products that may not meet the same health standards. The activists are calling for greater accountability from local authorities to protect both public health and the livelihoods of local agricultural producers.

Key points

• Social groups filed a complaint with the Canary Islands’ Department of Agriculture against Israeli potato imports.
• The complaint was supported by a demonstration in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• Organizations involved include BDS, Health Workers for Palestine, and others.
• Concerns were raised about the use of illegal pesticides on Israeli potatoes.
• Local farmers are facing challenges in selling their produce due to competition from imports.
• The groups seek a meeting with area councillor Narvay Quintero to discuss their demands.