Phylloxera Outbreak Impacting Tenerife Vineyards

The phylloxera outbreak affecting grapevines in Tenerife has impacted 50 vine farms across the island, most of which are abandoned, following over 1,600 inspections, as reported on Wednesday by the president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila.

Government Response and Measures

In a press conference following the island’s government council, Dávila stated that these 50 confirmed cases are “well defined” and dismissed claims by the Association of Farmers and Winemakers of the Canary Islands that the measures introduced by the Government of the Canary Islands are excessive.

The island president acknowledged that the response to this pest has been implemented “at record speed” to ensure safety and contain the outbreak.

“Phylloxera wiped out the entire European wine industry at the end of the 19th century, leaving the Canaries unaffected, which gives our wine its unique and exceptional character. We have a localized outbreak, a pest that we want to keep that way. All measures, no matter how restrictive, will ensure the eradication of phylloxera,” Dávila reflected.

Minimising the Impact

She emphasised that this is a delicate time, being the harvest season, so it is “essential” to ensure that the pest does not spread. “No one else—except for Avibo—has criticised the measures,” she remarked.

The Minister of Primary Sector, Valentín González, advocated that the best way to protect Tenerife’s vineyards is to prevent the movement of plant material, as ordered by both the Government of the Canary Islands and the Government of Spain. He believes this has mitigated the negative effects of the outbreak, both economically and in terms of reputation.

“This does not affect the distinctiveness of our wines in any way,” concluded the island minister.