The Tegueste Town Council has decided to cancel all events related to the wine sector that were scheduled for the traditional Grape Harvest Festival, as a preventive measure against the phytosanitary threat posed by phylloxera, which has recently been detected in vine crops on the island of Tenerife. This decision complies with Order No. 116/2025 issued by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Food Sovereignty of the Canary Islands Government on 20 August and was agreed upon in coordination with the Town Council, the Tegueste Wine Association (AVITE), the Lomo Neighbourhood Association, and the local community group of La Padilla.

Suspended Activities

The suspended activities include the event ‘Harvest for Hope’, as well as the Grape Bunch Competition and the Vehicle Caravan, originally scheduled for 12 and 13 September, along with the rest of the cultural and festive programming for those dates. As there will be no events held in connection with the Grape Harvest Festival this year, there will also be no election for the Grape Harvest Queen during the Gala of Remedios and Grape Harvest 2025.

Official Statements

The Mayor of Tegueste, Norberto Padilla, stated that “the municipality has always been a reference in defending the rural world and the primary sector; therefore, we assume this decision with responsibility and a total commitment to the general interest.” He emphasised the need to act in coordination with other public administrations in the face of a risk situation for the island’s agricultural ecosystem.

From the Town Council, we support the local viticulture sector and “understand that protecting the vineyard now is preserving our economy tomorrow,” explained Councillor Maura Martel, who underlined that “the cancellation of the events is necessary and that we will continue to work on safe alternatives to energise the municipality without compromising plant health.”

Environmental Considerations

In line with this, the Councillor for the Environment, Julián Rodríguez, highlighted the ecological dimension of the problem, “we are facing a pest that has historically caused devastation in wine-growing areas of Europe. Tegueste is not immune to this risk, which is why we call for citizen cooperation and strict compliance with the measures.”

The Tegueste Town Council also reminds residents that, according to Order No. 116/2025 of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Food Sovereignty of the Government of Canarias, any suspicion of phylloxera presence in a vineyard must be immediately reported to the relevant Regulatory Council or the Agricultural Extension Agency, in order to activate control protocols and prevent its spread.

Transportation Restrictions

Among the measures taken by the Canary Islands Government, the explicit prohibition of transferring plant material of vine, as well as tools, machinery, boxes, soil, or any other element related to vine cultivation is enforced, both between the islands of the archipelago and between different geographical areas within the same island. Furthermore, the movement of grapes from Tenerife to another island is not permitted, nor is the export of grapes from the Tacoronte – Acentejo area.

Likewise, the transfer of grapes from the rest of the islands to Tenerife is also prohibited, as are movements between islands, except in cases where there is explicit authorisation from the Directorate General of Agriculture. If such transfers are authorised, they must comply with strict phytosanitary control conditions.

The movement of grapes between areas belonging to different Designations of Origin within the island of Tenerife is also restricted and will be subject to prior authorisation issued by the competent authority.

Transport Regulations

Regarding authorised transport, it is stipulated that both vehicles and boxes used must be completely clean and free of any vegetable residues, soil, leaves, or cuttings. Additionally, the load must be transported in enclosed vehicles or, if not possible, appropriately protected by tarpaulin or anti-thrips netting. Every time there is a change of source parcel, a thorough cleaning of the vehicles and containers used in the transfer will be mandatory.

Finally, the workers participating in the grape harvest must disinfect all working tools between farms or plots as an additional measure to prevent the spread of the insect.

The Tegueste Town Council will continue to inform the population about any developments related to this situation and reiterates its commitment to the preservation of rural areas, the viticulture sector, and the phytosanitary safety of the municipality.