FERIA AGRICOLA Y ARTESANA DE LOS LLANOS DE ARIDANE

Los Llanos de Aridane celebrated the 25th edition of the Island Agriculture and Crafts Fair, an event that brought together authorities, producers, artisans, and companies in the sector to highlight La Palma's agricultural tradition and showcase the latest technological innovations applied to agriculture. Mayor José Javier Pérez Llamas presided over the opening ceremony alongside the day's honoree, José Miguel López Dorta, the long-serving director of the Agricultural Training School and the first president of the Regulatory Council for the La Palma Wine Designation of Origin. In his remarks, the mayor emphasized López Dorta's work in organizing training and trade fair activities—such as the subtropical crop week—and expressed his gratitude for the involvement of the Primary Sector and Crafts departments, as well as the municipal staff and collaborating companies. López Dorta recalled the origins of the fair, which began in 1979 as an initiative to coincide with the festivities of Our Lady of Remedies and which, over the years, incorporated livestock and crafts, eventually becoming a firmly established island event. He recounted anecdotes from the early editions—the initial participation of commercial firms, the revival of the livestock fair, and the traditional decorated carts, such as those for Saint Isidore the Farmer—and emphasized the fair's role as a showcase for innovation and improvements in agricultural and livestock production. Aron León, Councilor for the Primary Sector, underscored the economic and cultural importance of the day and announced that the following day would see the 131st edition of the Livestock Fair, the centerpiece of the patron saint festivities. Despite the international mourning period, the organizers decided to maintain the livestock program, eliminating the most prominent festive elements, to ensure support for the sector amidst rising input costs. León expected to attract around 150 head of cattle and expressed gratitude for the involvement of companies such as Agropalma, Agroisleña, Agro Laguna, and Agro Motor, as well as the restaurant sector. The fair also served as a training showcase: Cristina Mata Serra, from the Los Llanos Agricultural Training School, explained the training programs offered (intermediate and advanced) and the practical and international mobility opportunities (Erasmus) that promote generational renewal in the sector. Companies and artisans present offered a diverse perspective on the local production network. Antonio Alemán (Canarias Explosivos) and Pedro Lorenzo (Agroisleña) highlighted the adaptation to fertilizer regulations and the availability of machinery and after-sales services for machinery maintenance. Lorenzo spoke about Agroisleña's continued presence at this fair, as well as the presentation at each edition of the latest products from the best brands on the market, such as Stihl, for which they are an official distributor, and Maquita, as well as: Hardware, Machinery and Workshop, Gardening, Irrigation, Artificial Turf, and Swimming Pools. Francesca Musumeci, from Bistro Pizzas, emphasized the importance of the fair in boosting the sector and bringing a diverse gastronomic offering closer to the public. She highlighted, in particular, the commitment to gluten-free and lactose-free options to meet specific dietary needs. For their part, artisans like Elena Martín and Iris Geissler spoke about the value of crochet and doll making as local artisan products, safe for children and with sustained demand. Carmen Nieves Santana, with her stand Los Guaros, explained the fusion of Venezuelan flavors adapted to the island palate. The day included a heartfelt tribute to the Venezuelan community, with words of support and affection from the City Council for the difficult situation that country is experiencing. The Island Agriculture and Crafts Fair continues to solidify its position as a meeting place for tradition and modernity, education and business, and as a platform to support farmers, ranchers, and artisans at a time of economic challenges and growing environmental demands.