The Councillor for the Primary Sector, Valentín González, highlights “the work of these technicians, whose efforts ensure compliance with the order from the Government of the Canary Islands regarding the transport of grapes during the harvest.”
29 August 2025. A team of 22 technicians from the 10 Agricultural Extension Agencies in Tenerife has conducted 120 inspections of phylloxera-free farms in the early days of this week, following an order issued by the Government of the Canary Islands. This order includes measures to prevent the spread of this pest, which was detected in late July at a semi-abandoned vineyard in Valle de Guerra.
Councillor González has emphasised “the essential work of our Agricultural Extension agents, whose effort focuses on making the inspection process as efficient as possible for grape growers, allowing them to obtain transport authorisations as quickly as possible.”
González further emphasises that “the fieldwork carried out by Agricultural Extension agents across the island is vital to preventing the spread of phylloxera” and urges farmers and Regulatory Boards to “notify the Agencies in good time before the harvest, so that we can adequately plan for the application of the order concerning control and eradication of phylloxera.”
The Cabildo de Tenerife and the Government of the Canary Islands have developed a technical inspection protocol, which outlines the methodology for sampling vineyards in the field, focusing on observable symptoms and establishing a number of plants per hectare to be sampled.
Furthermore, Agricultural Extension agents are equipped with an innovative application that allows them to complete the movement guide and inspection record electronically in the field during their visit to the farm. This information is sent in real-time to the Government of the Canary Islands for the issuance of transport authorisations, thereby facilitating the process for both vineyard owners and technicians.
Valentín González also explains that “recognising the volume of work involved for Agricultural Extension technicians in initiating the phylloxera control process, the Cabildo will formalise an agreement with the Government of the Canary Islands to incorporate 7 new workers to assist in these control efforts.”
