The livestock industry faces two current challenges: excessive red tape and the need for generational transition, both of which were highlighted yesterday at the opening of the 13th Canary Islands Cheese Fair, hosted at the Pinolere ethnographic site, and concluding today.
The regional Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty advisor, Narvay Quintero, graced the event alongside the town’s mayor, Francisco Linares; the vice president of the Tenerife Island Council, Lope Afonso, and the Pinolere Association president, Leoncio Luis Hernández.
During the event, Joel and Ayoze González Hernández were acknowledged, two youthful individuals from the Benijos neighbourhood, involved in the livestock sector, who established the Ayojo cheese factory, set for inauguration in the upcoming days.
Furthermore, special recognition was bestowed upon Víctor Manuel Hernández Guzmán for his efforts in promoting indigenous breeds. It was Hernández Guzmán who advocated for increased industry support: “Livestock breeders require backing from authorities as we must address the burdensome bureaucracy. “I understand that food production requires traceability and regulated processes, but it is unrealistic to expect a herder to possess regulatory expertise,” he expressed.
Despite the rainfall, a substantial crowd flocked to the park to witness the ranchers’ work and sample the diverse cheese selections presented by thirty cheese vendors hailing from different islands.
