Thousands of visitors passed through Uga this weekend to enjoy the San Isidro Labrador Island Livestock Fair with their families, which exhibited more than 300 animals from thirty livestock farms in Lanzarote, "showing the growth and muscle of the primary sector, where the involvement of new generations who are committed to technological innovation and product diversification is noticeable," said the mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda.
He also highlighted "the high public participation in the Fair and the work of young entrepreneurial farmers who strengthen our economy. The way the municipal staff has dedicated themselves to making the Fair a success is incredible and worthy of public praise."
Lanzarote has a census of 22,000 goats with an estimated production of 6 million liters of milk per year, therefore, events such as the Uga Fair, organized by the Yaiza City Council with the support of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, highlight the sacrifice behind these statistics and the value of dairy products, especially cheese.
"People need to know where the products we consume come from, because even though it seems exaggerated, there are still children who think that milk comes from the refrigerator," said Omar Viñas, president of the Association of Artisan Cheese Makers of Lanzarote.
The president of the island's Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, pointed out that "the Uga Island Livestock Fair has once again demonstrated the strength and pride of Lanzarote's primary sector. This event not only values the effort and dedication of our farmers, but also reflects the commitment we have from the Cabildo to continue supporting generational change and ensure that our traditions remain alive. Betting on the countryside is betting on the future, on sustainability and on the attachment to our land." Betancort took the opportunity to invite all citizens "to consume local products, to recognize the value of what is produced here, with the affection and quality that defines us."
The Uga Livestock Fair, emphasizes veterinarian Davinia Sosa, "helps to establish a direct link and contact with the sector, and we have to continue fighting to have new farmers and new consumers of products, and of course, that our breeds are not lost." The active presence at the Fair of young farmers such as Noemi Quesada, Onofre Martín or the sisters Claudia and Dalia Reyes of Quesería Rubicón de Femés are examples of the vitality of the primary sector.
Award-winning farms
The Uga Fair concluded with the awards ceremony, taking into account the evaluation of the animals carried out by experts linked to the organization. The award for best male specimen, in order, went to the farms: Victoriano Elvira, Noemi Quesada and María Jesús Tavío.
Best milk goat: María Jesús Tavío, Marcelo Machín and Gonzalo Cedrés.
Lot of young goats: Tomás Acosta, Quesería Montaña Blanca and Jorge Reyes.
Best lot of dairy goats of caprine livestock: Marcelo Machín and Noemi Quesada.
Lot of ovine livestock: Darío Rodríguez, Jonathan Cáceres and Esteban Quintero.
Best ram of the Fair: Jonathan Cáceres, Julián Martín and Marisa Martín.
The Fair also awarded a special prize to the camel sector, which was received by Francisco Mesa on behalf of the farmers of Uga.
The awards were presented by the president of the Cabildo, the mayor of Yaiza and the southern councilors Silvia Santana, Primary Sector, Águeda Cedrés, Animal Welfare and Camel Sector, and Daniel Medina, head of Tourism. The Fair offered countless activities between Friday and Sunday that promoted greater participation.
