Tenerife’s New Abattoir Project Commences in La Laguna

The Cabildo of Tenerife has officially begun the construction of a new abattoir in El Ortigal, La Laguna, marking a significant development in the region’s agricultural infrastructure. This initiative is not only a response to the growing demands of the livestock sector but also a necessary step towards ensuring compliance with European regulations.

Addressing Compliance Issues with a Modern Facility

The new facility will cover an expansive area of 17,094 square metres within the Los Rodeos Agro-Food Business Park. This project aims to replace the current abattoir, which has been found to be non-compliant with European regulations regarding its structure and design. The existing facility has faced scrutiny for its operational standards, prompting the need for a modern solution.

Between 2008 and 2009, the Public Health Directorate of the Canary Islands identified several deficiencies in the management and operational facilities of the current abattoir. Despite previous efforts to enhance conditions, a 2013 report issued a stark warning that failure to rectify these issues could lead to the abattoir’s closure. The new construction is seen as a vital step in addressing these longstanding concerns and ensuring that the region’s meat processing capabilities meet contemporary standards.

Innovative Design and Future-Proofing

The planned abattoir will feature an industrial-style design, consisting of two floors with a height of 10.60 metres and a total built area of 5,994.17 square metres. It is set to include three dedicated slaughter lines for various livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. This design not only reflects modern architectural standards but also incorporates reserved space for future expansions, which may include relocating the rabbit abattoir, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

The construction will take place across two plots owned by the Cabildo. The first plot, currently home to the existing abattoir, will be repurposed for expanding the wastewater treatment station, while the second plot will host the new facility and its related amenities. The decision to limit expansion to essential needs aims to ensure the project’s feasibility in the near term, allowing for a focused approach to development that prioritizes immediate operational requirements.

Efficient Approval Process to Accelerate Development

The declaration of insular interest for this project allows for expedited processing, enabling adjustments to be made to insular or municipal planning as needed. This declaration, approved by the Cabildo in July 2024, received unanimous backing from all political factions, emphasizing its importance in aligning infrastructure with European standards and meeting the current demands of the livestock sector. The collaborative support from various political groups highlights a shared commitment to enhancing the agricultural landscape in Tenerife.

Investments for the project have already been initiated, ranging from €148,000 to €800,000, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the region’s agricultural capabilities. This financial backing is crucial for ensuring that the construction proceeds without delays and that the facility is equipped with the necessary technology and resources to operate efficiently upon completion.

Ownership and Management Dynamics

The Tenerife Insular Abattoir, S.A. was established on May 21, 1993, as a public limited company. Currently, the Cabildo holds a 33.7% stake in the company, while the remainder is owned by various municipalities and sectors related to agriculture and meat production. Although it operates as a mixed enterprise, the management of the abattoir is conducted under a contract with the Cabildo, which oversees the Insular Abattoir Service. This structure allows for a blend of public oversight and private sector efficiency, which is essential for the successful operation of such a facility.

In 2021, the Cabildo announced plans to increase its ownership stake to 90%, aiming for direct management of the abattoir, with the transition expected to be finalized by the end of that year. This move is indicative of the Cabildo’s commitment to ensuring that the abattoir operates in alignment with both local needs and regulatory requirements, thereby enhancing accountability and operational effectiveness.

Key points

• The Cabildo of Tenerife has commenced the construction of a new abattoir in El Ortigal, La Laguna.
• The new facility will span 17,094 square metres within the Los Rodeos Agro-Food Business Park.
• The existing abattoir has been deemed non-compliant with European regulations.
• Deficiencies in the current abattoir were identified by the Public Health Directorate between 2008 and 2009.
• The new structure will include three slaughter lines for various livestock.
• The project has received unanimous support from all political groups in the Cabildo.
• Investments for the project range from €148,000 to €800,000.