La Laguna Town Hall has signed a new agreement with the Canary Islands Coordination of Farmers’ and Livestock Organisations (COAG-Canarias) to promote more sustainable farming practices across the municipality.
Backed by €45,000 in funding through the Department of Rural Development, the initiative aims to improve soil health, reduce reliance on chemical products, encourage efficient water use and preserve traditional local seed varieties.
Healthier soils and fewer chemicals
The programme focuses on helping farmers adopt agroecological practices that maintain long-term soil fertility while reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers.
Instead, the project promotes the use of organic matter, locally sourced fertilisers and environmentally friendly farming techniques designed to improve both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.
La Laguna Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez said public administrations have an important role in encouraging agricultural practices that protect soil quality and ensure productive farmland for future generations.
Improving water management
Another key objective is helping farmers make better use of water resources.
Councillor for Rural Development Cristina Ledesma said the agreement builds on the municipality’s ongoing work to improve irrigation efficiency and support more sustainable resource management.
The project will include technical advice, training sessions and educational activities for both agricultural professionals and the wider public, with practical guidance on crop management, irrigation techniques and integrated pest control.
Technical support for local farms
As part of the agreement, COAG-Canarias will provide on-site technical assistance to participating farms.
Specialists will visit agricultural holdings to offer tailored advice on fertilisation, irrigation, crop treatments and sustainable pest management, helping farmers adapt agroecological methods to the specific needs of their land.
Preserving traditional seed varieties
The initiative also includes measures to protect and expand the use of local seed varieties, safeguarding an important part of Tenerife’s agricultural heritage.
Plans include developing a shared seed bank that will allow farmers, horticulturalists and residents to access, reproduce and exchange traditional varieties adapted to local growing conditions.
Knowledge sharing across the sector
The agreement also supports the creation of Agroecological Interest Groups, bringing together farmers to exchange knowledge, share experiences and promote best practices.
A series of workshops and specialist events will cover topics including sustainable fertilisation, water management, pest control and seed conservation.
In addition, the project will update a directory of livestock farms capable of supplying organic fertilisers, helping strengthen links between agriculture and livestock production within the municipality.
The programme also includes collaborative soil analysis to give farmers a clearer understanding of the condition of their land and support better-informed management decisions.