The Socialist Party (PSOE) of Teguise has successfully passed a motion during the ordinary council meeting this September to revive traditional cochineal farming in Guatiza and Mala. In a press release this Saturday, the socialists reminded that their councillor, Jenifer Galán, stated that “cochineal is part of our history, landscape, and identity, and we cannot allow it to disappear, along with the condition of many of its plantations.”

Unanimous Support for the Initiative

The socialist proposal was approved unanimously by the council, with a minor amendment: to urge the Cabildo of Lanzarote to allocate employment plans and resources for the recovery of farms associated with this centuries-old crop.

Current Challenges

Galán emphasised that the Mexican cochineal pest and the lack of generational succession “have jeopardised over 200 years of tradition and a landscape that is a hallmark of Lanzarote.”

Key Initiatives

The socialist initiative comprises three key areas: allocating employment plans for the recovery of farms, providing specific financial resources for the primary sector to study and promote cochineal, and encouraging participatory projects in the towns of Guatiza and Mala.

“Reviving cochineal farming is not just an economic issue; it concerns identity, landscape, and sustainability. It’s about investing in our own history, in a feature that makes us unique and distinguishes us from other places,” Galán stressed.

Future Actions

In conclusion, the Socialist Group indicates that they will remain vigilant to ensure that the agreement passed in the council is carried forward by the Cabildo and translated into concrete actions that will help revitalise an agricultural activity that has garnered admiration from residents and visitors over the years.