Winegrowers and winemakers view positively the new measures proposed by the Canary Islands Government and the Cabildo of Tenerife to curb the phylloxera infestation. These measures involve “using the sea as a barrier and limiting the movement of grapes and plant material between islands,” explains Eduardo García, the Deputy Minister for the Primary Sector of the autonomous government.

Concerns Among Some Winemakers

However, there is a majority but not unanimity: the Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers Avibo – representing around 10% of the wine production capacity in the Canary Islands – has expressed its “deep concern” regarding the government’s management of the phylloxera outbreak in Tenerife, requesting “scientific rigor” as it considers the measures “disproportionate.”

Collaboration on New Restrictions

The new restrictions published in the Official Bulletin of the Canary Islands were previously agreed upon “with the majority of the appellations of origin, representing 90%,” assures García. He insists: “This is not a decision made by the council but the result of a technical-scientific exchange that understands that the measures we are taking adhere to the principle of caution.

The measures adopted to control the phylloxera infestation in the affected area include a ban on the movement of plant material, such as vines, roots, sprouts, or fresh grapes, both within and outside the demarcated zone. Additionally, the eradication and treatment of infested plants using authorised plant protection products will occur.

Controlled Perimeter and Enhanced Surveillance

A controlled perimeter with strict restrictions has also been established, and enhanced surveillance is being implemented in nearby vineyards and other areas of Tenerife to detect possible new outbreaks. Furthermore, the declaration of public utility allows authorities to enact urgent and mandatory measures, including the control and disinfection of tools and machinery that could contribute to the spread of the pest.

Call for Targeted Measures

Critics of these new measures, the winemakers of Avibo, are calling for precise and targeted actions: strictly controlling areas where the pest is detected and carefully monitoring the rest of the island to prevent its spread. Similarly, they reject “generalised or excessive measures affecting pest-free areas,” or those that are difficult to implement.

Support from Some Winemakers

Mari Paz Gil, an oenologist who works at the Regulatory Council of the Tacoronte-Acentejo Denomination of Origin, states that “the associations fully support the proposal from the public administrations.” She adds that “in every meeting we have held, we recognised that the restrictions were necessary.”

Emphasis on Caution and Prevention

Eduardo García emphasises the importance of caution and prevention. The same phylloxera plague occurred in the 19th century in Europe, leading to massive vineyard destruction. Thanks to maritime borders, it did not reach the Canary Islands. Therefore, the Deputy Minister stresses that with these measures, “we will see how the pest behaves, and then we will have a clearer idea of how to continue working towards its elimination.”

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