Canary Islands Grapes Face Significant Harvest Decline in 2025

The grape harvest in the Canary Islands is projected to experience a notable decline in 2025, with the island of Tenerife being particularly hard hit. This anticipated drop raises concerns among local producers and stakeholders in the viticulture sector, which plays a vital role in the region’s economy.

Projected Decline in Grape Production

According to Narvay Quintero, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty, the grape production in Tenerife is expected to decrease by a staggering 33% compared to the previous year. This decline is not isolated to Tenerife alone; the overall grape harvest across the Canary Islands may see a reduction of up to 9%. The Tacoronte-Acentejo region has been identified as the area most severely affected by this downturn, raising alarms about the future viability of grape cultivation in this historically rich wine-producing area.

Update on Phylloxera Situation

In a recent parliamentary committee meeting, Quintero provided an update on the ongoing phylloxera outbreak that has plagued the islands. He reported that no new cases have been detected since November 20, maintaining the total number of infections at 86. The majority of these cases are concentrated in La Orotava and Güímar. To combat this pest, inspections across the islands have intensified, with a total of 7,137 controls conducted in Tenerife. These inspections have yielded negative results, except for the confirmed cases. Quintero expressed cautious optimism, stating that while phylloxera cannot be completely eradicated, it can be effectively managed through rigorous monitoring and control measures.

Significance of Viticulture in the Region

The Minister emphasized the critical importance of viticulture in the Canary Islands, which encompasses over 6,000 hectares of land, making it the second most significant agricultural sector after bananas. The unique genetic diversity of the islands’ vines is considered unmatched globally, contributing to the region’s distinctive wine profile. In response to the challenges posed by two consecutive poor harvests, the government has allocated 3.5 million euros in drought assistance to support grape producers. This aid provides one euro per kilogram lost to approximately 1,500 producers, aiming to stabilize the viticulture sector. Although cultivated land in Tenerife has seen a decrease, there has been an increase in cultivation efforts in both Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, indicating a shift in agricultural practices across the islands.

Future of Indigenous Varieties

Quintero highlighted the importance of sanitizing minor and indigenous grape varieties to combat viral infections that threaten local viticulture. This initiative commenced with 28 varieties and may take up to ten years to complete, with the potential to triple economic yields per hectare. Currently, the yield from the islands’ vines ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 kilos per hectare, which is significantly lower than the mainland’s yield of 9,000 to 12,000 kilos. Out of the varieties analyzed, 18 have shown positive responses to the sanitization process. Work is already underway with twelve of these varieties at the Canarian Institute of Agricultural Research, which is developing a specialized laboratory dedicated to conserving and sanitizing virus-free plants. The improved vines will eventually be distributed to local growers, enhancing productivity and ensuring the sustainability of the viticulture sector in the Canary Islands.

Key points

• The 2025 grape harvest in the Canary Islands is expected to decline by 33% in Tenerife and 9% overall.
• The Tacoronte-Acentejo region is the most affected area in Tenerife.
• No new phylloxera cases have been reported since November 20, with a total of 86 infections confirmed.
• 7,137 inspections have been conducted in Tenerife, returning negative results apart from known cases.
• 3.5 million euros have been allocated for drought assistance to support grape producers.
• Sanitization efforts for indigenous grape varieties aim to improve yields significantly.