SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 30 September (EUROPA PRESS) –
CEOE Tenerife has expressed its “complete” backing for the initiative put forth by the Government of the Canary Islands and the region’s primary sector to advocate in Brussels for an increase in the funding of the Community Programme to Support Agricultural Productions of the Canary Islands (POSEI). This initiative aims to ensure greater competitiveness for the agricultural sector in the face of escalating economic and social challenges, such as the persistent rise in input costs and unfair competition from imported goods.
The employers’ association views the reinforcement of the agricultural sector as essential: “a strategic pillar for the economic development of the Canary Islands and crucial for maintaining the food sovereignty of the archipelago.” It further argues that a review of POSEI funding will not only alleviate the impact of the increased costs faced by the sector in recent years but will also bolster the long-term sustainability of local productions. “The Canarian agricultural sector, with its ability to generate jobs and prosperity, is vital for the rural development and economic stability of our islands,” it adds.
For the organisation representing Tenerife’s employers, it is imperative to enhance measures that protect and promote the competitiveness of our agricultural and livestock farms against the influx of imported products that frequently do not meet the same health, social, and environmental standards required of our producers. It is essential to tighten import conditions and call for the introduction of ‘mirror clauses’ in European Union trade agreements to safeguard the interests of the Canarian primary sector and ensure fair competition is upheld.
Furthermore, it positively acknowledges the unified demands from the Canary Islands alongside other Outermost Regions (ORP) as these coordinated efforts “are crucial in strengthening support for local producers.” In this regard, CEOE Tenerife aligns itself with the call for an immediate increase in the POSEI financial envelope, “which has not seen an increase since 2007, while production costs have continued to rise significantly.”
“The agricultural sector in the Canary Islands is not only essential for maintaining the food sovereignty of the archipelago but also acts as an economic driver that promotes productive diversification and the conservation of our rural environment,” states CEOE Tenerife, urging European authorities to acknowledge the “just” demands of the Government of the Canary Islands and the primary sector, as an increase in POSEI funding is “crucial for safeguarding our farmers and ranchers, and ensuring the stability and future success of the sector.”
Additionally, the employers’ association celebrates the solidarity shown by the primary sector, political parties, and institutions regarding this request and reiterates its dedication to supporting all initiatives that contribute to the enhancement of the agricultural sector, job creation, and the economic advancement of the Canary Islands.
