Papatour Event Highlights Need for Agricultural Modernization in Canary Islands
The Papatour event in Tacoronte showcased new potato varieties and advanced processing technology, highlighting a strategic push to modernize the Canary Islands' agricultural sector and enhance its industrial competitiveness.
The recent Papatour event at Finca Los Álamos in Tacoronte highlighted the urgent need to modernize the Canary Islands' agricultural sector to keep it economically viable. This biennial meeting served as a vital test for twelve potato varieties, which faced a challenging growing season after heavy winter rains delayed planting until July.
Beyond simply comparing crop yields and quality against the standard Red Cara variety, the event emphasized that field research must align with the needs of the food industry. Representatives from Grupo Fedola noted that a crop’s profitability depends on more than just the harvest; it must also withstand industrial washing, packaging, and storage to remain competitive in today’s market.
To support this, Grupo Fedola unveiled a new Fedola Fresh plant. This facility uses advanced packaging and semi-vacuum technology to process potatoes for the "fourth range"—ready-to-use products designed to help the hospitality and catering industry save time and reduce food waste.
Government officials from the Canary Islands, Tenerife, and Tacoronte attended the event, agreeing that sharing technical expertise is essential to protecting local produce. For the agricultural sector, this public-private partnership is a strategic move to improve crop management and strengthen the region's food security against volatile global markets.