In the fourth extraordinary session, the Plenary approves the Insular Strategic Plan in defense of beekeeping in Tenerifewith 29 votes in favor and abstention from Sí Podemos Canary Islands. The counselor of the primary sector, Javier Parrilla, highlights that it is “a participatory plan, discussed and agreed with the 13 beekeeping associations of the Island to relaunch and consolidate the sector.” It proposes ten measures and actions to guarantee the future and sustainability of this traditional activity.
According to Parrilla, this strategy is a reflection of the change in the model in which the Island Corporation has worked since the beginning of the mandate. “We have opted for beekeeping in Tenerife, a commitment to stop the worrying decline in the number of farms, promote their grouping and professionalization.” Through this Plan, he adds, “we intend to continue advancing to relaunch and consolidate this fundamental activity for the general interest of the Island.”
It provides the data that honey with Protected Designation of Origin has 204 operators, 199 beekeepers and 5,832 hives.
The Island Plan It contemplates 10 major objectives that seek to solve the health and structural problems of the sector, promote professionalization, conserve pollinator populations and their habitats, and promote research.
The Cabildo will defend beekeeping transhumance and the maintenance of the number of beehives in protected natural spaces and is committed to organizing, in collaboration with the sector, fairs and congresses, to multiply the actions of business training and entrepreneurship and to promote the presence of Honey de Tenerife in all regional, national and international gastronomic events.
The Ministry of Agriculture foresees an initial item of 370,000 euros for the beekeeping cabin in the 2023 budgets.
Antolín Bueno, director of DC, approves the document because “it is necessary, but it suffers from deficiencies”. For example, “professionalization, when the majority is second activity.” In addition, “it puts the Canary Islands black bee at risk, to be protected, because professionals opt for specimens from outside.” Likewise, Bueno explains, “it lacks a financial record and it is a text with an electoral meaning.”
