We can tell you about Manuel that, although born in Villaviciosa de Córdoba in the heart of Sierra Morena, he has enough years of residence in Lanzarote that we consider him "from here" all his life. Manuel Peláez, as he is known by everyone, is one of the pioneers of organic agriculture on the Island, he is a person who treasures a long experience in this way of cultivating, not only with the summer fruits that have always been harvested in Lanzarote such as melons, tomatoes and watermelon, but he has also decided to introduce, with notable success, the cultivation of asparagus.
He likes to constantly innovate, and so he is currently promoting, while advocating among the rest of the farmers, the cultivation of pitaya, due to the tremendous potential for the future that he finds in this fruit. Manuel Peláez has participated, participates and will continue to participate (if they let him) with his stall in all the island agricultural markets; and also to all those who are willing to listen to him, whether a new farmer or a curious consumer, he is always willing, with his unforgettable smile, to offer his advice to some and opinions to others.
Manuel Peláez, due to his extensive professional career, is logically one of the few people we have left from whom we must learn - before they are lost - the knowledge acquired by his years of experience cultivating our land.
And, what he demands: Today, you can see Manuel demanding at the doors of the Cabildo the opening of the island agricultural markets, as well as a rigorous policy on their operation, since he considers food markets (fruits, vegetables, and other processed products such as cheeses, sweets, jams and liqueurs) as a way to enable direct marketing to the already very scarce island agricultural production.
He affirms, not without reason, that every market connects the producer with the consumer, making it at the same time a point of sale and a showcase for promotion and marketing; given that the island's farmers have the few existing fruit markets as the only points of sale for their products. These channels have been closed as a result of the pandemic we are experiencing, in response to the fact that the various councils have decided to close these markets at the first opportunity.
Therefore, he considers that: The closure of the markets is more in line with a comfortable situation for political leaders than with a situation of real risk. That it is time for clear support for the sector with the effort that corresponds to all public administrations. Enough of the slogan "we are with the sector" and then let it die.
Supermarkets and all food outlets have been open throughout the pandemic with the security measures indicated by the health authority, but the same has not happened with the markets, when all the activity takes place outdoors, in large areas where security distances can be perfectly respected.
Therefore, the opening of agricultural markets is urgent with all the sanitary guarantees for farmers and consumers. Now, you understand the basis of his fair request and therefore you would also be willing to shout with him: "we want the markets open now"
Signed: Insular Council of Lanzarote of PALCA-LA UNION
