Jenifer Galán: “Cochinilla is part of our history, landscape, and identity, and we cannot allow it to disappear”
The Socialist Party (PSOE) of Teguise successfully passed a motion during this month’s ordinary session to revive the traditional cultivation of cochinilla in Guatiza and Mala. Socialist councillor Jenifer Galán stated, “Cochinilla is part of our history, landscape, and identity, and we cannot allow it to disappear, nor the condition of many of its farms.”
The socialist proposal was unanimously approved by all members, with a slight amendment: urging the Cabildo of Lanzarote to allocate employment plans and resources to restore farms associated with this centuries-old crop.
Galán stressed that the Mexican cochinilla plague and lack of generational change “have jeopardised more than 200 years of tradition and a landscape that is emblematic of Lanzarote.”
The socialist initiative encompasses three key areas: allocating employment plans for the recovery of farms, establishing specific budget allocations for the primary sector to study and promote cochinilla, and fostering participatory projects in the towns of Guatiza and Mala.
“The recovery of cochinilla is not just an economic issue, but one of identity, landscape, and sustainability. It is about investing in our own history, in a trait that makes us unique and distinguishes us from other places,” emphasised Galán.
In conclusion, the Socialist Group has stated that they will remain vigilant to ensure the agreement approved in the plenary session is followed through by the Cabildo and translated into concrete actions that help revitalise an agricultural activity that has garnered admiration from residents and visitors over the years.
