Encuentro de Productores en la Granja Agrícola del Cabildo de Lanzarote
During the Producers Meeting held this Friday at the Experimental Agricultural Farm, the President of the Cabildo recognized the work and commitment of about fifteen young people who have registered as Priority Agricultural Farms in recent years.
Betancort expressed his sincere gratitude to all the people working at the Agricultural Farm, whom he described as "the friendly face of the Cabildo" and responsible for turning this space into "a lively place of learning, vocation, and future."
The Experimental Agricultural Farm of the Cabildo de Lanzarote hosted the Producers Meeting this Friday, which served as the closing event for the I San Isidro Labrador Days, organized by the Agriculture and Livestock Department of the island institution. An event filled with emotion, commitment, and hope for the future of the primary sector, bringing together authorities, field professionals, the educational community, and citizens.
The President of the Cabildo de Lanzarote and the Agriculture and Livestock councilor, Oswaldo Betancort, inaugurated the event alongside the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty councilor of the Government of the Canaries, Narvay Quintero, and representatives from the Parliament of the Canaries, led by the spokesperson of the Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Commission of the Parliament of the Canaries, Rosa Bella Cabrera.
During his speech, Betancort expressed his heartfelt thanks to all those working at the Experimental Agricultural Farm, whom he described as "the friendly face of the Cabildo" and responsible for turning this space into "a lively place of learning, vocation, and future."
The President highlighted the success of the days, which for the first time opened the doors of the Farm to the educational community, with school visits and training sessions. "It is essential for young people to understand the true value of agriculture and livestock, not only as dignified and sustainable career paths but also as part of our collective identity," he stated.
Improvements in Irrigation Water
During the meeting, Oswaldo Betancort also emphasized the importance of ensuring access to irrigation water as a basis for a strong, modern, and sustainable agricultural sector. "Our farmers have been demanding improvements in irrigation water for decades, so it is vital to create our production and distribution systems to ensure the supply of this essential resource for the present and future of the field," the President affirmed.
In this regard, he recalled that a significant step had already been taken with the signing of the agreement with SEIASA for the modernization of irrigation in Tinajo and Teguise, with an investment of 24.4 million euros. "Our intention now is to extend this model to other areas in the north and northeast of the island, where it is also essential to provide agricultural farms with an independent water network for irrigation. Only then can we ensure the competitiveness of our traditional crops and protect the agricultural landscape that gives identity to Lanzarote," he added.
Tribute to the Generational Change
One of the most emotional moments of the meeting was the tribute to the 17 young people who, in the last five years, have established their farms as Priority Agricultural Farms in Lanzarote. "You are the generational change we so desperately need," Betancort affirmed. "You have embraced a way of life that defends our food sovereignty, our landscape, our tradition, and culture. You are role models for your generation and for society as a whole."
The President praised the efforts of these young entrepreneurs, "who have believed in a better future," and expressed his commitment to continue working so that more and more people can join the primary sector "with dignity, training, institutional support, and pride."
The act concluded with a fraternal gathering where local products were offered, accompanied by the music of parrandas, reflecting the cultural and gastronomic richness of the island. These I San Isidro Labrador Days have been a pioneering experience in Lanzarote, held from May 14 to 16, with an educational and participatory program aimed at making the primary sector visible, strengthening it, and dignifying it.
Link to video Tribute to young people in the primary sector:
