The Cabildo approves the bases for new subsidies for cultivation in holes in La Geria

These subsidies are intended to guarantee the conservation of traditional agro-systems, characterized by their cultivation in natural and artificial sand coverings

March 31 2025 (18:58 WEST)
Updated in March 31 2025 (18:58 WEST)
Visit to one of the farms of La Geria
Visit to one of the farms of La Geria

The Governing Council of the Cabildo of Lanzarote approved this Monday the regulatory bases for the granting of subsidies to the agro-systems of the wine-growing area of La Geria. This initiative, promoted by the Department of Agriculture, aims to financially support winegrowers who maintain this unique system, which is fundamental to the island's landscape and agricultural identity.

Oswaldo Betancort recalled the Institution's "permanent work" to strengthen the preservation of La Geria and support those who make it possible. “Farmers, winemakers and owners are the true guardians of this extraordinary landscape that makes us unique in the world. With this aid, we want to recognize their effort and guarantee the continuity of an agricultural system that is not only productive, but also a symbol of our identity,” said the president.

The approved bases regulate support that will be granted under a non-competitive regime, which means that all applications that meet the established requirements will be attended to without the need to compete with each other. The amount to be granted will be determined based on the type of agro-system and the future call will establish a maximum amount per applicant.

Both natural and legal persons who carry out agricultural activity in the cultivation of vines on plots located within the La Geria Protected Natural Space may benefit. These subsidies are intended to guarantee the conservation of traditional agro-systems, characterized by their cultivation in natural and artificial sand coverings.

According to the regulatory document of the ENP, this territory houses 2,959 hectares of vineyard as an exclusive crop, distributed in hole systems of various physiognomies and ditches.

 

Recover and feed agricultural spaces

For this initiative, the Cabildo de Lanzarote allocates a budget of 400,000 euros (expandable) from the Canary Islands Government, with the purpose of promoting the maintenance of agricultural activity and preventing the abandonment of farms. In addition, the regulatory bases establish that the restructuring of cultivation in holes to cultivation in lines will not be allowed, thus preserving the characteristic rofe layer of La Geria

The Cabildo de Lanzarote recalls that, together with this line of subsidies, various projects are also being developed for the recovery of degraded agricultural spaces, not only in La Geria, but also in other areas of the island. These include actions in the Natural Environment of La Corona, the improvement of the regions of Guatiza and Mala, as well as the conservation and restoration of different agro-systems, such as the jable and the sands. These interventions have a global investment of close to 3.5 million euros, financed through the Canary Islands Development Fund (FDCAN).

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