SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 16 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, led the review of the ‘Grow Together’ strategy this Friday, emphasising the synergies that the initiative cultivates between the primary sector and tourism.
As stated by the regional government, this year the initiative has introduced over 300,000 individuals to the local produce and gastronomic offerings of the islands, bolstering the local economy and showcasing the primary sector on a national and European stage.
With more than 200 producers directly involved across the archipelago, a series of 2,500 promotional and enhancement activities have been undertaken in 2024 through the Volcanic Xperience brand, showcasing the efforts of agricultural professionals and the high quality of Canarian agri-food production, thereby fostering employment and economic stability.
Clavijo articulated that in recent decades, the Canary Islands have established themselves as a contemporary travel destination and serve as an international exemplar “with a distinctive and innovative model that champions sustainable tourism, fostering progress and well-being.”
“Conversely,” he added, “the primary sector and the agri-food industry, in its economic, social, cultural, and environmental facets, are integral to our economic transformation and have sculpted our landscapes and our understanding of the relationship between ourselves, our visitors, and the surrounding environment.”
Clavijo expressed gratitude to farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and tourism professionals for their engagement in this initiative, stressing that “more than ever, we recognise that the future of the Canary Islands relies on collaboration and collective efforts across all sectors; and this embodies what Crecer Juntos represents—a united commitment to enhance our strengths, invigorate our economy, and ensure sustainable development that serves all of Canarian society.”
During his address, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty, Narvay Quintero, noted “that in this year of project execution, we can assert that tourism, understood through a sustainable and integrated lens, is acting as a catalyst for change in the primary sector and rural areas. Conversely, our high-quality local produce, alongside the people who contribute to it, plays a greater role in promoting the authenticity and excellence of the tourist destination.”
“Undoubtedly, through this strategy and the gastronomy enriched by Canarian products, we will continue to progress in our aim of dignifying the primary sector and enhancing agricultural earnings,” he continued.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism and Employment, Jéssica de León, stated that “more and more, consumers, whether tourists or locals, are seeking a connection to local culture, highlighting that 26% of visitors to the Canary Islands allocate a portion of their expenditure to the consumption and purchase of local products.”
Furthermore, she underscored that “with Crecer Juntos, we aim to promote sustainability and local consumption, generating a positive impact on both the local economy and the environment.”
GROW TOGETHER
‘Grow Together’ was established in 2015 to showcase the richness and diversity of the Canarian primary sector through unified action—a collaborative and consensual framework that reinforces the presence of locally-sourced produce in tourist consumption, positioning the Canary Islands as a high-quality gastronomic destination committed to sustainability and local heritage.
This year, the Government of the Canary Islands, via the Management of the Rural Environment (GMR Canarias), has prioritised two strategic focus areas: sports and education.
In doing so, the backing of educational institutions and the participation of prominent figures in Canarian sports have facilitated the introduction of the benefits and diversity of indigenous products to over 1,000 children.
Additionally, ‘Grow Together’ has centred its efforts on the Canarian populace, who serve as true ambassadors of the ‘Volcanic Xperience’ brand, with the aim of fostering a culture of produce and strengthening domestic demand by increasing the number of advocates.
VOLCANIC XPERIENCE AWARDS
During the gathering, which convened over a hundred producers from the islands, business agents, advocates, and representatives of Canarian civil society, the Volcanic Xperience awards ceremony was held—the visible emblem of this project, characterised by its volcanic essence common to all islands.
In their inaugural edition, these awards celebrate commitment to the primary sector and its practitioners, as well as dedication to local products and Canarian gastronomy.
In this first edition, the efforts of the individual instrumental in successfully realising the ‘Grow Together’ strategy were honoured: Pedro Molina, a passionate advocate for the primary sector, who dedicated his life fighting to enhance the status of agricultural workers in the Canary Islands. The award was collected by his widow, María Magdalena Díaz Reyes.
Recognition was also bestowed upon Jorge Marichal, who has been pivotal in strengthening the connection between tourism and the primary sector, successfully cultivating tourism engagement and laying the groundwork for this initiative, which has become a vital driver of both economic and social advancement in the Canary Islands.