A quarter of the annual economic aid provided by the Cabildo de Tenerife to face the gratuity in the rates of use and transport of the Insular Slaughterhouselocated in Guamasa (La Laguna), it was covered during the first quarter of 2023. The bonuses applied reach 265,327 euros, almost 25% of the approved subsidy of 1,132,779.
There have been 75 livestock entities or individual producers that benefited, between January and March, from the suspension of transport fees and costs for the use of the island infrastructure.
The insular Councilor for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Javier Parrilla, in statements to EL DÍA, highlights the importance of this line of support. He argues in this regard: “The island’s livestock sector is going through a complicated situation as a result of the increase in the price of energy and feed.” He adds that “for this reason, our objective is that this subsidy helps to reduce costs to the greatest number of users possible and as soon as possible.”
Supported grant
The island official also recalls that this aid is compatible with that applied to human consumption of fresh beef, pork, rabbit, sheep, goats and chicken of local origin for the Government of the Canary Islands. The measure is promoted by the regional Executive “with the intention of contributing to alleviate their situation as much as possible and preventing farmers from being forced to choose between one and the other.”
75
entities
There were 75 livestock entities or individual producers that benefited, between January and March, from the suspension of fees and transportation costs for the use of the Slaughterhouse
Regarding the forecasts for 2024, Parrilla also highlights that “we have approved in plenary committee that the suspension of rates be extended for another year, at least, because we are aware of the reality of the livestock sector and we must continue articulating measures that contribute to reduce uncertainty.
In general, it is observed that the documentation to be presented has not caused difficulties for the users and that the subsidy has been well accepted.
Food aid
The objective of the Cabildo de Tenerife is to continue acting on production costs. The Island Corporation will allocate 2.5 million euros this year to feed the island’s sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, rabbits and poultry. It is estimated that around 300 livestock farms will benefit from this subsidy, which aims to contribute to the maintenance of the productivity and the economic recovery of the suffered agricultural exploitations.
artisan cheese factories
In the field of livestock, the Cabildo will also call for subsidies this year for artisanal cheese factories (200,000 euros); to complementary feeding of bees (140,000); to the livestock health defense groups (100,000); to support traditional breeds (60,000); livestock associations (48,900); as well as the promotion of beekeeping professionalization (50,000); to cover the costs of rabbit and swine insemination (210,000) and the maintenance of the slaughterhouse (1,959,617 euros).
Primary sector exhibitor
Just a few days ago, the Cabildo de Tenerife presented the 34 awards of the tenth edition of the Pinolere Cheese Contest 2023, a contest that aims to make visible the effort and dedication of the island’s farmers and cheesemakers, support local livestock and promote the consumption of quality, sustainable and local products. The 69 participating cheese factories valued the quality of Tenerife cheeses.
In this tenth edition of the Island Contest, a total of 69 cheeses from 26 cheese factories located in 21 municipalities were presented. The contest was divided into 10 categories, distributed in raw and pasteurized milk cheeses, as well as one for non-traditional ones. As in previous editions, the largest number of those presented corresponded to the category of fresh cheeses made with raw milk, with its northern and southern varieties. A clear exhibitor of the island’s livestock and primary sector.
World Potato Congress 2028
He PSOE de Tenerife proposes the candidacy of the Island to host the world potato congress in 2028. The socialist group in the Cabildo raises today the candidacy for the 14th World Potato Congress. The socialist group proposes in the motion to request the governments of Canary Islands and Spain “support and collaboration to host this international benchmark event in the sector”. The PSOE appreciates that this Congress would mean “an impulse to value this product in different markets, contribute to its conservation and further enhance its presence in gastronomy.” A great opportunity to bring together key players in the world potato value chain in Tenerife. The Congress is held every two years and brings together more than a thousand delegates and partners from 40 countries. It would not only put Canarian potatoes on the world map, but would also attract international innovation to strengthen production and the value chain. This platform would provide an opportunity to promote potato trade and agro-industry at the regional and national levels. | JDM
