The latest Economic Situation Bulletin of the Chamber of Commerce for 2021 shows a positive balance in primary sector with a rebound in employment farming and an increase in the production of bananas related to his fall The Palm as a consequence, among other factors, of the volcanic eruption. The President of the Cabildo, Peter Martin, positively values these data in a “strategic” area for the island economy. For her part, Ángela Delgado, president of Asaga, understands that “the current situation of conflict, without rejoicing at the evil of others, can boost local production.”
December of last year ended with 9,997 affiliates in the primary sector and 1,596 unemployed, 536 more workers and 657 less unemployed than at the end of 2020. The number of companies registered with Social Security was 1,012, 28 more (2.8%) than at the end of 2020. The sector is placed above 1,000 businesses, a fact that had not occurred since the beginning of the pandemic.
In annual terms, the variation in employment represented an increase of 2.9%, with 277 more workers, reaching a total figure of 9,690. The affiliations to Social Security at the end of 2021, 9,997, 536 more than at the end of 2020 (5.7%), a figure three points higher than the regional average. The number of registered unemployed fell compared to the figures of a year ago with an average decrease of 26.5%.
“Without rejoicing at the evil of others, the world situation opens up options for local production”
Despite the fact that December data is still missing, banana exports have registered a positive result in 2021 to increase by 3.3% compared to those from January to November 2020. It contrasts with the 3.2% decrease in the regional average.
The president of councilPedro Martín, highlights that the insular area of Agriculture, Livestock and fishing This year it will manage 26.7 million euros, the largest budget in its history. Valora: «We reaffirm our commitment to the primary, strategic and alternative sector to the service sector». Martín assures that the primary sector responds to the demands, both in terms of quality and quantity, and emphasizes that it is key, “as was demonstrated during the pandemic.”
“Despite the many difficulties, he did not stop his activity, he was able to adapt quickly and guarantee the food supply to the population,” Martín values. The island president values the “extremely high quality” of the island’s meats, honeys, cheeses and wines. He stresses the importance of supporting the sector through purchase and consumption of local products. Martín also underlines the importance of work in the revitalization of agricultural markets “as a way to reduce external dependence and continue generating employment.” He emphasizes “the need to train and prepare young farmers to ensure generational change in the field.” For this, he emphasizes, “the support of the Cabildo through agricultural entrepreneurship programs, technical seminars or training scholarships for recent university graduates is essential.”
Ángela Delgado, president of Asaga, underlines: “We have incorporated new partners and young people”- She considers that “without rejoicing at the misfortune of others, what comes from outside such as feed is already put at the same cost level as if it were produced here”. She can be, she envisions, “a factor of opportunity to promote local agricultural activity.” She calls work at the primary sector as “a job opportunity that generates profitability”. The Canary Islands maintain very low levels of self-sufficiency with food sovereignty around 20% of consumption.
