Tenerife’s Cabildo Launches Ambitious Project to Enhance Potato Farming

The Cabildo of Tenerife has embarked on an innovative project designed to significantly improve potato cultivation across the island. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving local agricultural organizations, aiming to address the unique challenges faced by potato farmers in the region.

Strengthening Agricultural Partnerships

Leading the charge is the Primary Sector department, which has partnered with the Rural Action Group of Tenerife and the esteemed University of La Laguna. Valentín González, the councillor responsible for this initiative, shared that the project, aptly named ‘Agrosystems of Potatoes in the Island of Tenerife,’ is dedicated to enhancing the various productive systems associated with potato farming.

González highlighted the importance of collaboration in this endeavor, noting that the project draws on the rich experiences and knowledge of generations of farmers from both the northern and southern regions of Tenerife. The initiative will delve into the study of different potato varieties, assess the altitudes that are most conducive to their growth, and explore the cultural practices employed by local farmers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural landscape.

Mapping Traditional Cultivation Areas

In the forthcoming months, the initiative aims to establish detailed geographical, agronomic, and social profiles for traditional potato-producing areas. This will encompass regions renowned for their potato cultivation, including Chasna, Vilaflor, the Anaga massif, Acentejo, Orotava Valley, Icod El Alto, La Guancha, and the Teno massif.

According to González, the role of potato cultivation in Tenerife transcends mere agricultural practice; it is an integral component of the island’s historical, economic, and cultural identity. He emphasized that the agricultural practices associated with potato farming are crucial not only for sustaining economic activity but also for preserving the rural landscape of Tenerife, which is characterized by its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.

Revitalizing the Potato Sector for Future Generations

Earlier this year, the Cabildo took a significant step by launching an Insular Potato Plan, marking the first such framework in a decade. This plan was developed through extensive consultations with various stakeholders and agricultural organizations, aiming to tackle the pressing challenges that the potato sector faces, as potatoes rank as the third most important crop on the island.

The Insular Potato Plan is designed to restructure the potato sector in Tenerife, with a focus on production and marketing strategies that enhance stability and competitiveness. The plan also aims to increase self-sufficiency in potato production, ensuring that local farmers can meet the demands of the market while preserving the island’s agricultural heritage.

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

As part of this initiative, the Cabildo is committed to engaging with the local community, encouraging farmers to share their insights and experiences. This participatory approach is expected to foster a sense of ownership among farmers, empowering them to take an active role in shaping the future of potato farming on the island.

Furthermore, the project will not only focus on the cultivation of potatoes but will also explore innovative techniques and sustainable practices that can be adopted by farmers. By integrating modern agricultural methods with traditional practices, the initiative aims to create a resilient potato sector that can thrive in the face of changing climatic conditions and market demands.

Key points

• The Cabildo of Tenerife has launched a project to enhance potato cultivation.
• The initiative involves collaboration with the Rural Action Group and the University of La Laguna.
• Valentín González is the Primary Sector Councillor overseeing the project.
• The project will study various potato cultivation practices and regional characteristics.
• Traditional producing areas include Chasna, Vilaflor, and the Anaga massif.
• The Insular Potato Plan aims to improve the potato sector’s competitiveness and self-sufficiency.
• The initiative emphasizes community engagement and sustainable agricultural practices.
• The project seeks to integrate modern techniques with traditional farming methods.