During an appearance before the Justice and Governance Committee of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, a representative of the association highlighted that farmers have already received compensation for their losses, and the current goal is to restore banana farms to their original state.
Significant progress has been made, with 89 hectares reconstructed or under reconstruction out of the 239 existing before the eruption, representing 37% of the total. Additionally, 437 plots have been reopened with their respective accesses.
“"We are farmers; we want to return to our farms, to our lives, and just as our parents and grandparents were here, we who are farmers and live from this, we want our children and grandchildren to follow us."
The same representative emphasized the farmers' “enthusiasm” to resume their work and the aspiration that “not a single meter of lava, not a single meter of uncultivated land” remains, aiming for the reconstruction to serve as an “example” for Spain and the European Union after the catastrophe.
Another member of the association noted that, although they have felt supported by the State and regional governments, a lack of coordination has led to some completed farms still lacking access or water supply. The urgency of the situation is clear, with an immediate need for action.
Agriculture in the region faces risks due to the loss of a significant number of producers and water scarcity. The implementation of desalination systems is considered “urgent,” as recent rains will barely guarantee irrigation for “two summers.” The requested investment is broken down into 11.5 million for production aid, 56.4 million for reconstruction, 68.8 million for pending roads and tracks, and 82.2 million to ensure water access.
